Building Houses, Building Hope, Building Philadelphia.

Habitat Partner Families

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia provides a hand up, not a hand out, to hard-working families with low incomes who are willing to partner with us as homeowners. Habitat is a partnership between families, volunteers and donors working together to improve the living conditions of families in Philadelphia.

Applicants for homeownership go through an extensive selection process, including a review of their financial status, job history, need for housing  and other qualifications. Applicants must meet our income guidelines, have good credit, a minimal level of debt, and be willing and able to perform 350 hours of sweat equity to build their and other Habitat homes. The selection process, building of the home, and sweat equity can take up to 24 months. 

I want to learn more about the need for afforable housing in Philadelphia.

How the Habitat Model Works

Habitat Philadelphia’s model is unique and engages the whole community in the construction of every Habitat home. Habitat partner families get a hand up not a hand out, as well as the safety and security of owning their own home. Habitat homes are affordable due to zero interest mortgages, volunteer labor and community support. Partner families invest 350 sweat equity hours in the construction of Habitat homes and are responsible for monthly mortgage payments and upkeep of their home. To learn more about the Habitat model, please read our About Us for information.

The Road to Homeownership

Habitat partner families are carefully selected to ensure that they are well-prepared and qualified for Habitat at this time. Between the selection process and the sweat equity period, it could take 18-24 months to move into a Habitat home. If you have a more immediate need for housing, please consider these other organizations and resources.

To learn more about the Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia homeownership program, contact our Program Director at family@habitatphiladelphia.org.