Habitat for Humanity of Dane County

Habitat for Humanity was founded on the principle that safe and affordable homeownership empowers people to reach their full potential. Our goal is to help families achieve and maintain sustainable housing. Through volunteer labor and donations of both money and materials, we build affordable homes for families as well as help low-income families make repairs on their current homes.

A home provides stability for families and children, as well as a sense of dignity and pride. Surveys show that children who grow up in a home are healthier, do better in school and will have better job prospects. Stable housing leads to safer, healthier and stronger communities.

Habitat does not give away homes or home repairs. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest their sweat equity into building their Habitat home and the homes of others. Each family must also attend educational courses on home maintenance, landscaping, budgeting and insurance.

The combination of low construction expenses, volunteer labor and a low to no-interest mortgages makes these homes affordable. Including property taxes and insurance, the Habitat homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment is no more than 30 percent of their gross income.