Mission

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is a non-profit, ecumenical housing organization established in 1990 to build simple, decent houses for low income families in Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we believe that housing is a basic human right.

We build afforable homes using volunteer labor, homeowner "sweat equity," and donations of money and building materials. We partner with the faith community as well as individuals, corporations, and civic organizations to build 8 to 10 homes each year. One day, we plan to build as many as 30 houses per year.

Programs

Habitat homes are sold at no profit and are financed with zero interest mortgages. Monthly payments from the mortgages are then used to build additional houses for other families. Each Habitat family makes a small down payment and contributes 300 to 500 hours, called "sweat equity," toward building their home.

Each Habitat homeowner has a mentor, called a family partner, who helps to guide them through the initial stages of homeownership. Homeowners receive a minimum of 16 hours of training on budgeting and home maintenance in addition to one-on-one time with their family partner throughout the year.