At Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia, (Habitat DC- NOVA) we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to call home. To address complex housing crisis in DC & NOVA, we takes a multi-faceted approach to affordable housing. While we are best known for building and selling affordable homes, we do so much more: we also provide no-cost home repairs, offer financial and homeowner education, and advocate for policies that support affordable housing need in our communities. 

DC Habitat and Habitat NOVA, two Habitat for Humanity affiliates, merged in 2022 to become Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) to better address the affordable housing crisis in our region. We have sent an ambitious goal of serving at least 1,000 families by 2030.

Habitat DC-NOVA serves local families making 30-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are in need of safe, affordable housing. Our homeownership program serves families looking to become homebuyers, and our home repair program serves seniors and adults with disabilities in need of in-home support. By creating and preserving affordable homeownership, we’re helping families build strength and stability for generations to come.

1.) Homeownership Program  Habitat DC-NOVA has built or rehabilitated nearly 300 homes since its founding in 1988. We are currently building 11 homes in DC & NOVA which will be completed in Spring 2023. Famillies pay no more than 30% of their household income on housing, keeping their monthly payments at a fraction of what a comparable rental would cost in our area. Homeowners make a down payment of at least $500. We refer our families to our local nonprofit partners to complete their pre-purchase financial education. 

2.) Home Repair Program 

Many older adults do not have the money to make modifications that would allow them to safely remain in their homes and maintain their independence,. Examples of repairs include grab bar, ramp, and stair lift installation. Our home repair program is vital to our efforts because it preserves the existing stock of affordable housing and keeps long-term residents in their homes and neighborhoods.

Habitat DC-NOVA's Home Repair Program has completed 235 repairs since 1988. In Washington, D.C., we partner with the Safe at Home program. The Safe at Home program serves low-income seniors and adults with disabilities by removing threats to health and safety and removing barriers to accessibility.  To qualify for our Home Repair program, families must make less than 80% of AMI and reside in DC.

In Northern Virginia,we partner with TruBlue Total House Care to provide repairs to seniors with low-incomes to enable them to safely age in place or address other hazards in their homes. Working with Habitat DC-NOVA, TruBlue provides an in-home senior safety assessment and completes necessary repairs up to $1,000. To qualify, individuals must be at least 62 years old and  live in a single-family, owner-occupied home or townhome, and make less than 60% of the AMI.