Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) has served families in Washington, D.C. & Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax for 34 years. Learn more about our programs and how we support families in building strength, stability, and shelter!
We can continue supporting local families with the support of our volunteers, ReStore donors and shoppers, and generous community members. Learn more about ways to support.
Building more equitable and accessible communities
Habitat DC-NOVA works to build and preserve affordable homeownership opportunities in our communities. We achieve this by building new homes as well as completing renovations on existing homes and selling them to families with low-moderate incomes. We also complete home repairs for seniors or individuals with disabilities to help make their home a safe and accessible place to live.
We serve families who earn 30-80% Area Median Income (AMI) and are in need of decent, safe housing. Our families are often working in critical positions in our community such as health aides, bus drivers, and other support positions. They may not earn enough to purchase a home on the open market but have worked hard to achieve the dream of homeownership.
Many of the families we serve are renting apartments or homes that are too expensive and too small to adequately meet their families needs. We also have families who have concerns about the safety, health, or accessibility of their rental units. By providing adequate housing, financial, mental, and physical strains can be alleviated and the overall well-being of a community can be improved upon.
Wealth building / benefits of housing
In the Greater D.C. Region, 38% of households were renters, and of that percentage, nearly half had unaffordable housing costs. Each year, the cost of housing continues to increase and burden communities across the country. In the year 2019, 17% of housing units were affordable to low income households in Greater D.C. In 2023, that had decreased to only 12%.
For low-moderate income families, owning a home can dramatically boost their potential to build equity and pave the way for a secure financial future. In fact, home equity represents the biggest slice of wealth—34.5%—for households across America. By investing in property, low-income families can establish a robust financial platform that not only enhances their lives but also uplifts generations to come. Homeownership isn’t just about shelter; it’s the bedrock of financial stability and wealth creation.
Supporting families in purchasing their first home
Our homeownership program supports families in purchasing an affordable, decent home in Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia. We build new homes and complete renovations on existing homes.
The path to purchasing a home from Habitat DC-NOVA consists of several important steps. To start, applicants need to show they require better housing and must meet certain income and credit standards while keeping their debt manageable. Each property may have different guidelines and qualifications, so we recommend reviewing them before applying. We post information about our current and upcoming projects on our website.
Our homeowners partner with Habitat DC-NOVA to purchase their home. This includes volunteering, attending financial education, and working with our Family Services department to support their homeownership journey.
Critical home repairs and aging-in-place services
While best known for our home construction program, Habitat DC-NOVA plays a crucial role in providing essential home repair and aging-in-place services. These initiatives are specifically designed to assist residents, with a focus on seniors and adults with disabilities, ensuring they can maintain safe and healthy living environments that enhance their well-being.
For Washington DC residents, Habitat partners with the Safe at Home program—managed by the DC Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) alongside Home Care Partners. This collaborative effort offers critical accessibility upgrades such as handrails, grab bars, chair lifts, and other modifications aimed at reducing fall risks for vulnerable populations. In Northern Virginia, Habitat collaborates with TruBlue Total House Care to deliver vital repairs that enable seniors to age safely within their own homes.
By offering these invaluable services, Habitat empowers individuals to remain independent while actively engaging in their communities—and fosters a sense of belonging among all residents.
Sustainable building practices for a greener tomorrow
Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA is dedicated to sustainable building that uplifts communities and enhances overall well-being.
Our approach goes further than mere compliance with building codes; it aims to minimize environmental impact, boost energy efficiency, and improve the longevity of homes. We’re not just protecting the planet—we’re also helping homeowners save money by reducing energy costs and avoiding expensive repairs.
Our comprehensive strategy emphasizes smart home design, eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and innovative construction techniques. By blending these elements together, Habitat for Humanity is forging a path toward a more sustainable future while fostering healthier living spaces for families.