Questions & Answers

When was the DC affiliate founded?
DC Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1988.

How many houses has DC HFH built?
DC HFH has built 100 houses throughout the District. There are over 300 people living in DC Habitat homes.

Where is DC HFH building right now?
We are building on a 4.3-acre lot in NE located at 54th and Clay Streets. We plan to build 53 homes here over the next few years. Thirty-three families are already living in their new homes, and construction is ongoing.

Does DC HFH build in Virginia or Maryland?
No. DC HFH serves the District only. There are affiliates in Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and other surrounding areas.

Northern Virginia HFH: 703-521-9890

Montgomery County HFH: 301-990-0014

Prince George’s County HFH: 301-779-1912

I have some used supplies that I would like to donate to Habitat. Does DC HFH take them?
No, DC HFH does not accept used supplies. However, you can contact the Prince George’s County affiliate, the Northern Virginia affiliate's Restore, or the Montgomery County affiliate's Restore.

Habitat for Humanity gives away houses to homeless people, right?
No. We work in partnership with low-income families to build affordable, decent homes. We sell our homes with no-profit, no-interest mortgages of 25 years. Each monthly payment is under $425.

Each homeowner must work 300 hours of “sweat equity” on their own home in addition to making a $500 down payment and paying closing costs of $2,200.

DC HFH houses are sold for $99,000. Funding for the homes comes from numerous sources including local corporations, individual donors, as well as the mortgage payments of current DCHFH homeowners. (The average price of a single-family home in DC is currently about $371,000).

Can anyone apply for a DC HFH home?
Yes, as long as they fall within the income requirements to be considered a “low-income family” according to federal standards. Homeowners are chosen based on a variety of criteria including credit history, home visits, and willingness to partner with the Habitat housing model. Interested parties should contact our office at (202) 882-4600. Here is some information on homeowner criteria.

How big are the houses?
DC HFH houses are typically three bedroom semi-detached style homes. Each has a kitchen, living room, and one bathroom. Most do not have basements.

How long does it take to build a house?
DC HFH homes usually take about 9 months to build.

If I volunteered on site what sorts of things would I be doing?
DC HFH volunteers work on nearly every aspect of homebuilding including framing, drywall, painting, putting up siding, etc. We have professional contractors who do the plumbing and electrical work. To find out more about what to expect on the construction site please click here.

Is DC HFH required to follow standard DC building codes and get permits?
Absolutely. DC HFH goes through all of the licensing and permit procedures required of other builders in the District of Columbia.

How do I volunteer? Can I just show up on site?
You can not just show up on the site to volunteer. The easiest way to become involved is to attend one of the new volunteer Nuts & Bolts orientation meetings. You can sign up to become a volunteer on the website or contact the office at (202) 882-4600.

When and where are the new volunteer Nuts & Bolts orientation meetings held?
The new volunteer Nuts & Bolts orientation meetings are held the second Thursday of each month (except August) at 6:30 p.m. at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Ave. NW (one block from Metro Center). It is a great opportunity to learn more about DC HFH's mission and volunteer opportunities, meet other volunteers, and participate in a committee meeting.

I would love to help, but I can't commit to a schedule right now as I don't have a lot of free time. Is there still a way I can become involved with Habitat?
No problem! DC HFH has no minimum commitment level. We send an e-mail out once a week letting you know what volunteer opportunities are available. If you can help that week, simply respond saying so.

So Habitat was founded by Jimmy Carter, right?
No. While Jimmy Carter is one of Habitat’s biggest supporters, Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976 in Americus, Georgia. Habitat now has over 2100 affiliates in all 50 states, DC, Guam and Puerto Rico, and in over 100 countries worldwide.