Our Q4 Partner: Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh

Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh is a nonprofit that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. They believe everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live, and they welcome everyone to be part of that mission.

Why Affordable Housing Matters

• Housing is affordable, as defined by HUD, when a household pays no more than 30% of its income on housing costs like rent, mortgage and utilities. Most affordable housing programs serve households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).
• In our area, you need to earn over $65,000 a year just to afford a basic two-bedroom apartment. That is out of reach for many families, including restaurant workers, teachers, first responders and retail employees.
• When housing costs too much, families sacrifice other necessities like groceries, healthcare, education and transportation. Imagine choosing between paying rent and buying food, or fixing the car you need to get to work. That is the reality for 1 in 4 families in our area.
• Home prices are rising and supply is short, but wages are not keeping up. Without action, that gap will keep growing and put housing out of reach for more people.

How Habitat Helps

• A path to homeownership. Habitat partners with families earning less than 80% of the AMI and offers affordable, low-interest mortgages. Habitat homebuyers make a small down payment, contribute 200+ volunteer hours and complete financial education courses.
• Building and preserving homes. Volunteers, staff and contractors build 40-50 new single- and multi-family homes each year. Habitat also repairs existing homes and helps prevent homeowner displacement through its partnership with Preserving Home.
• Advocating for solutions. Habitat attends town council meetings, speaks with representatives, works to influence policy and grow funding for affordable housing, and educates the community on how to be part of the solution.

Apply for a Habitat Home

Anyone in Wake, Johnston or Franklin County who needs affordable housing, has a steady income, and is willing to partner with Habitat by completing “sweat equity” hours and homeownership classes can apply. General guidelines:

• You have lived and worked in Wake, Johnston or Franklin County for at least 12 months
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• You have had a steady income for the past two years

Everyone’s situation is different, so if you think you might qualify, Habitat encourages you to apply. See the details and apply.

Get Involved

• Volunteer on a construction site or in a ReStore. No experience necessary: Habitat’s construction supervisors will teach you what you need to know.
• Advocate as a volunteer Advocacy Ambassador, joining issue-based campaigns, meeting with policymakers and attending events that promote safe, affordable housing for all.
• Donate with a financial gift, or donate your pre-loved items to a ReStore.
• Shop at one of 10 local ReStores for building supplies and gently used home goods. 100% of proceeds support affordable housing right here in the Triangle.

Learn more at habitatraleigh.org.