Habitat for Humanity Middlesex VA

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a global nonprofit organization working to help communities around the world thrive by providing safe and stable places to live. Their impact can be felt in over 70 countries around the world. In our community, Habitat for Humanity

Middlesex (HFHM) works with this large and successful organization to help individuals in Middlesex County realize the dream of home ownership. While HFHI provides structural support and donations from corporate sponsors, the local chapter relies mostly on fundraising drives and volunteers to accomplish this mission.

2025 marks the 25th year of your local chapter changing lives and building housing security in Middlesex County. This fall, we will complete construction on our 17th home and begin building the foundation on our 18th.

Why is Habitat for Humanity needed?

Nationally and locally, there is an affordable housing crisis due to a shortage of entry level homes and rising prices. It is estimated that 1 in 4 renters across the US are paying more than 50% of their household income in rent. With home ownership out of reach, existing racial, wealth, health and educational disparities continue to deepen. While having safe and stable places to call home is vitally important to an individual family, it also impacts our county. There is good evidence that safety improves, and crime goes down in communities with stable housing.

Housing insecurity impacts families and especially families with children. Children who live in safe, stable housing enjoy better health and greater success in school when compared to families facing eviction or the difficult choice of where to spend limited household income. According to Dr. Megan Sandel, associate professor at Boston Schools of Medicine and Public Health and the Grow Clinic for Children at Boston Medical School, there are four aspects of housing that affect a child’s health. The quality, stability, affordability and location of housing have both short and long-term effects on children’s health and development.

Habitat for Humanity Middlesex strives to end housing insecurity in our community by providing quality, stable, and affordable homes by partnering with qualified and dedicated Middlesex County families in need.

Habitat for Humanity Middlesex partners with generous local donors, contractors, electrical and plumbing providers, as well as a team of untrained volunteers to construct quality homes and provide housing security in your community.

During the building process (typically a year) Habitat for Humanity Middlesex uses donated goods and funds as well as the generosity of local laborers to construct the house. These donations lower building costs, allowing HFHM to provide affordable financing through a zero-interest, 30-year mortgage. These mortgage payments then enable HFHM to build the next home in our community.

Prospective homeowners must participate in the construction process. This “sweat equity” provides hands-on training for owning and caring for their new home. Routine maintenance and repair skills can save the homeowner money moving forward. Energy efficiency training helps keep utility bills down and homeowners also get training in budgeting, money management and financial responsibility.

Who qualifies for Habitat for Humanity housing?

Habitat for Humanity works with low to medium income households to overcome financial hurdles to home ownership.  Family selection is based on three criteria.

• Need: Individuals whose income is 50-80% of the median income in Middlesex County may be eligible. Additionally, if your current rent exceeds 35% of your net income, your current residence is below minimum living standards, or the size of your family is too large for your current situation, you may be eligible.
• Commitment: Families need to demonstrate a willingness to partner fully with Habitat for Humanity and a sweat equity commitment is required.
• Ability to Repay: Families must demonstrate the ability to repay a mortgage based on an affordable payment plan. Approximately once a year HFH Middlesex opens the selection process of a new family for whom construction on their new home will begin.