Safe, Stable & Affordable
Does Habitat OC give away homes for free?
Common myths and misconceptions about Habitat OC
We believe in a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat does not give away houses; instead, future homeowners partner with local affiliates and volunteers to build or rehabilitate a home and pay an affordable mortgage. Keep reading to learn more about how our model helps families achieve the dream of homeownership in Orange County.
MYTH
"Habitat OC gives away homes for free to low-income families."
"Habitat OC gives away homes for free to low-income families."
FACT
Habitat OC families purchase their homes with affordable mortgages.
What this means:
- Families meet income guidelines
- Down payments are required
- 200-500 hours of sweat equity
- Monthly payments are capped at ~30-35% of income
MYTH
"Habitat OC will never let you truly own your home."
"Habitat OC will never let you truly own your home."
FACT
Habitat homeowners do own their homes.
Families hold the title. What’s different is that there is an equity split, which is shared with the home is resold.
Habitat also has the first right of refusal on the repurchase of the home. This just ensures that when one family is ready to move on, the home can remain as an affordable home for another Orange County family in need!
MYTH
"Habitat OC doesn’t help those who are single."
FACT
Single applicants are welcome!
Eligibility is based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner—not a marital status. While inventory is limited, single parents and individuals can absolutely qualify if they meet program criteria.
MYTH
"Habitat homes will lower the value of homes around them."
"Habitat homes will lower the value of homes around them."
FACT
Habitat homes do not reduce property values.
Studies show affordable homeownership options do not negatively impact surrounding home values. In fact, Habitat homes support community stability and local tax revenue!
MYTH
"Habitat homes are overcrowded and cause parking issues."
FACT
Habitat homes are designed for single families.
Habitat OC homeowner’s monthly housing costs are set at no more than 30-35% of the family’s income, eliminating the need for overcrowding and minimizing impacts such as excess parking demand. In fact, there is an average of only 2 cars per household!
MYTH
"Habitat OC homes are occupied by people involved in criminal activity."
"Habitat OC homes are occupied by people involved in criminal activity."
FACT
Habitat homeowners are carefully screened.
This screening includes not just a background screening but also income verification and credit review. Families complete homeowner training and contribute hundreds of volunteer hours. Additionally, research has proven that affordable housing can reduce crime and strengthen communities!
MYTH
"Habitat homes are cheap and boxy."
FACT
Habitat builds high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County focuses on building quality, safe, and energy-efficient homes while following
building standards. This model, which includes volunteer involvement and homebuyer “sweat equity,” contributes to homeowner satisfaction and the development of thriving communities.
Habitat OC meets all local, state, and federal building codes and standards, including those for design quality, safety, health, and energy efficiency. They comply with the California Building Code 2022 Edition and related codes for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems in Orange County.
Habitat OC homes are designed and built to exceed NC Housing Finance Agency Energy Criteria and participate in the Star Home/Systems Vision Program, guaranteeing heating and cooling costs for homebuyers.
Habitat OC emphasizes safety on their build sites, implementing best practices like fall protection measures.
Habitat OC homeowners express positive experiences, highlighting the positive impact of owning a safe, affordable, and well-built home on their families.
According to Charity Navigator, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Inc. has a four-star rating with a 91% overall score, reflecting its commitment to accountability and financial responsibility.
FAQS
Have more questions?
Read some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Habitat for Humanity of Orange and Habitat Internationals’ work around the world.
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Together, we build innovative housing solutions.
How does Habitat for Humanity help families?
Since our founding in 1976 we have helped more than 62 million people in countries around the world build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more about how we’re helping families and to get the latest news.
How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?
Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity. Each local Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:
- The applicant’s level of need.
- Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
- Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
- Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education.
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners.
How do you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity?
We have many volunteer opportunities. Visit our Volunteer pages to learn more about:
- Individual volunteer opportunities
- Women Build
- Volunteering as part of a church group
- Volunteering as part of a corporate group
What are Habitat for Humanity affiliates?
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is one of Habitat for Humanity affiliates: independent local non-profit organizations that act in furtherance of the Habitat for Humanity mission. Each Habitat affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area.
Not in the Orange County area? Find your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate here.
What kind of donations does Habitat for Humanity accept?
Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. These donations help families build a place they can call home. Visit our Support page to learn more.
We also have local home improvement stores called Habitat ReStores, which sell reusable and surplus building materials, furniture and appliances to the public. The money made from these sales is used to help families build a better future. To donate materials, please visit our In Kind Donations page.
For large corporations wishing to make bulk donations of goods and materials, please contact Noe Rivas, Director of Material Acquisitions at Noe@HabitatOC.org or call, (949) 209-5897.
For vehicle donations, please visit our Cars for Homes page.
What is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore?
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build strength, stability and self-reliance locally and around the world.
Interested in learning more about our work?
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get our latest news, volunteer opportunities, DIY tips and other ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity.