“It’s satisfying being part of a team effort. My favorite part of volunteering is the people. I’m very impressed by the young volunteers, staff, and AmeriCorps that work for Habitat. They have real enthusiasm and principals.”
Russell Elliott, Habitat Philadelphia Volunteer

How We Work

The proven Habitat model has empowered over 148 families in Philadelphia to purchase homes, and housed over 1 million people worldwide.

Building Homes

Habitat for Humanity is founded on the idea of partnership housing – where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers to build homes. Our homes are often built with donated materials, donated property, and the support of house sponsors. The traditional model for Habitat housing relies on this three-tiered partnership between our families, donors, and volunteers. Much like a triangle, one part of the organization could not exist without the others -they work together to solve the problem of affordable housing throughout Philadelphia.


Our Families

“You know, many people have this idea that Habitat “gives” you a house, and I am going to tell you – this is just not the case. I worked really hard to earn a zero-interest 30-year mortgage and no down payment through 350 hours of sweat equity, working on Habitat homes. But I’m here to tell you it was all worth it.  This house is now my home.”
                                                              - Timeka Johns, 2009 Habitat Homeowner

  

Habitat Philadelphia offers a hand up, not a hand out to hardworking, civically engaged families in desperate need of decent and affordable housing. By working towards a Habitat home, our homeowners are affirming their commitment to their neighborhood while taking part in its renewal.

Families have to meet financial requirements and contribute 350 “sweat equity” hours towards the construction of their house or their neighbor’s house in lieu of a down payment. Houses are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable, zero interest mortgages. These mortgage payments are paid forward through our Fund for Humanity to support the construction of additional homes.

I am interested in partnering with Habitat Philadelphia and becoming a homeowner.

Building Communities

Habitat builds safe, stable communities as well as decent, affordable homes. As our families invest their time, energy and resources into their new homes, they create a ripple effect - surrounding neighbors experience a renewed sense of stability, goodwill and neighborhood pride.

Habitat homeowners strengthen the social and financial fabric of our community through lower neighborhood crime rates, higher property values and a secure workforce. In helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership, we are not only transforming their lives, but also our City, one family at a time, one block at a time!

The Tucho Family