Roanoke Valley, Habitat for Humanity in the

Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley provides affordable homeownership for hard-working families. Through our approval process, Habitat homebuyers demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing; illustrate their ability to pay a mortgage; and agree to partner with Habitat by contributing sweat equity to build their home and the homes of others.

Habitat for Humanity does not give homes away. Unlike conventional mortgages, Habitat homebuyers pay a low-or no-interest mortgage that does not exceed 30% of their income. This allows any extra income to be applied to healthy food, medical care, and education. An affordable mortgage is a hand up, not a hand out.

Habitat is the mortgage company, so homeowners mortgage payments are cycled back into construction cost to build the next home.

Habitat’s process demonstrates that people thrive when they have a permanent residence in a stable community. An affordable place to live helps place families on a path of opportunities with increased dignity and self-reliance, giving them the chance to create savings and to invest in their education. Habitat works with families to help them acquire the skills and financial education necessary to be successful homeowners. By partnering with Habitat, families seize the opportunity to work for their goals.

Our program empowers families earning between 30% - 80% of the HUD Area Median Income (AMI) to purchase homes with low-interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley partners with individuals, corporate and community organizations to support the construction of new and rehabilitated homes in the Roanoke Valley. Together, we help families make permanent changes that break the cycle of generational poverty. Families are required to successfully complete stringent program requirements, including sweat equity hours and homeownership classes, so they may achieve financial stability.

Our program prepares approved families for homeownership by requiring financial education through classes that cover budgeting, credit, debt and loans, saving, investing, emergency situations, and predatory lending as well as the entire mortgage process. Gaining an in-depth understanding of these concepts builds knowledge, and self-confidence, and enables the families we serve to enjoy more financially stable lives.

Since our founding in 1986, Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley has provided affordable homeownership solutions for nearly 250 families. Our affiliate is implementing strategies to grow our capacity to serve even more families by increasing staff, increasing donations and developing solutions to enable us to expand our reach in the community.