Habitat for Humanity, a
non-profit organization in Franklin County, Maryland has been providing local families in need with affordable and safe housing since 1993. With the help of their volunteers and donations from around the county, the association not only builds and maintains local homes but provides a new beginning for low-income families that may have seemed impossible beforehand. Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity has built or maintained upwards of 60 homes for families in need.

With their partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, homeowners are granted zero interest loans with no profit from the organization to pay off their homes in affordable monthly payments. In addition to this, Habitat for Humanity seeks to strengthen the community’s financial literacy through their Homebuyers Academy, an 8-module online course where future homeowners and families learn the steps in owning a home, as well as the buying process.

Take for example the Gillard’s, a family whose lives were forever changed by Habitat for Humanity through the construction of their three-bedroom home in Smithsburg, Maryland. Eva, a mother of four, applied to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and began completing the qualifying tasks to participate in her home building, including her 200 “sweat equity” hours spent in organization-based activities. These hours range from hands-on labor in building homes to representing the non-profit as a representative at events and fundraisers. Now, the family of five are excited to embark on their new life in a safe residential home with a scenic mountain view.

To qualify for the homeownership program, prospective homeowners must demonstrate willingness through 250 hours of volunteer work (200 hours for single individuals) or “sweat equity”; annual income falls between the limits of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Pennsylvania limits; the ability to partner with Habitat for Humanity by earning an income in which they can pay an affordable, monthly mortgage; residence or employment in Franklin county for a minimum of 1 year; and proof of never owning a property beforehand.

Although the organization’s focus is on homebuilding and preservation, their backbone lies with the community volunteers and donations. Financials from the 2023 fiscal year report declare the total income from ReStore donations, fund raising, and grants totaled $454,715, providing monumental aid to both the organization and local, or soon to be, homeowners. Compared to the 2022 fiscal year financials, this total features a –6.5% decrease. Habitat for Humanity accepts numerous donations including Personal, ReStore, Real Estate, Stocks, Bonds, Planned Giving, Land, Cars for Homes, and/or reoccurring payments to the organization. Whether the donation is big or small, Habitat for Humanity ensures that each dime or hour spent on building a home is recognized and appreciated, bringing the community together one home at a time.