Lancaster/Northumberland Habitat for Humanity

The Lancaster/Northumberland Habitat for Humanity (LNH HFH) began in 1998 as the local Habitat affiliate.  The LNH HFH is a volunteer-driven and financially stable organization serving two rural counties in Eastern Virginia.  Building houses for disadvantaged families is our affiliate’s mission because everyone deserves a decent place to call home. Since that time, we have constructed 22 homes and served hundreds of families. We provide families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, land donations, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

LNH HFH’s financial support comes from our community such as local foundations, the faith community, regional businesses, local service organizations, individuals, and most importantly our ReStore on Main Street in Kilmarnock. Our Board is a “working Board” composed of interested volunteers who contribute their time and expertise.  We are very proud of our Board and the many individuals who have served in that capacity since 1998.

The Lancaster/Northumberland Habitat for Humanity (LNH HFH focuses on meeting the specific housing needs of our communities. Some of the typical things our Habitat affiliate does:

• Home Ownership Program:  Select local families based on need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner (including sweat equity). Provide financial education, budgeting classes, and home maintenance training.
• Homebuilding: We build affordable houses for low-income families. Families help with the construction (called "sweat equity") and buy the homes with affordable mortgage.
• Restore (Thrift Store): Operate a Habitat Restore focused on 2 primary goals; to provide funding to facilitate our building activities, and provide serviceable products to families in the community at very atttractive prices.
• Volunteers: Coordinate volunteer individuals and groups to help with construction, home repair, landscaping, administrative work, or fundraising.
• Home Repairs:: Offer affordable repairs or renovations for homeowners in need, often through partnering with Interfaith and LINK.
• Disaster Response: We help communities rebuild after natural disasters as we just did for reBUILD LA after the California wildfires.
• Community Engagement: Host events, workshops, and neighborhood revitalization projects. Work with local government, churches, and nonprofits to improve housing policies and services.
• Fundraising and Donations: Raise funds through grants, sponsorships, donations, and events to support our building of homes