Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod

Our strategy is unique in fostering partnership with those we serve, as a foundational principal of our work. The result is an empowering experience for new homeowners and volunteers alike. We uniquely offer the opportunity of home ownership to a lower income group than other housing organizations, those with a maximum income of 65% of median income, who despite the security and stability of their income, are often shut out of the local housing market. Very importantly, in addition to lifting such families out of the cycle of repeated housing crises, research has confirmed that decent housing improves health, increases children’s educational achievement and strengthens community ties.

With all HHCC homes, the affordability of these homes will be protected by a deed rider assuring the homes will be affordable in perpetuity. To apply and qualify for a Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod home, families must have a household income of between 45% and 65% of Area Median Income of Barnstable County. The home sale price will be at/around $170,250, making the monthly mortgage payment around $800. Habitat works closely with the families building their homes, providing significant home buyer education counseling, and carefully guide our families through the mortgage and closing process. Habitat's finance and home maintenance programs have proven key to successful homeownership.

The homes will be built by the homeowners in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod staff and volunteers. They will be sold to a family selected on the basis of having a severe need for affordable housing, willingness to actively partner in the construction of their home, and the ability to pay the monthly mortgage plus escrow for taxes and insurance. The home will be deeded with an affordable housing deed restriction to keep the home affordable in perpetuity, thereby permanently adding to the town’s affordable housing inventory.

By building these homes and providing proper homeownership education to the two homeowners, we will remove more families from the cycle of housing crises. They will now own their own homes, providing a safe place to live and raise their children. The children will be able to stay in the same school district for the rest of their education allowing them to be part of the community and improve their quality of life.

We have been successfully building affordable homes alongside families since 1988. We have build in every town on Cape Cod, now totaling 165 in 2021. Because of the dedicated volunteers who work alongside and mentor the families, we have a strong history of success. We have strong working relationships with each of the towns and with local funders to ensure we are able to keep building in each town as opportunities arise.

We have built homes in every town on Cape Cod with a total of 165 at the end of 2021. In 2022, we will continue building 6 more homes in the towns of Harwich and Falmouth. We will also break ground on 9 homes in Chatham (2), Sandwich (3) and Falmouth (4). We are also in the planning stages for homes in Brewster, Dennis and Yarmouth for 2 2023 and 2024.