FAQs

From 1998 through January 2021, we have built 51 homes, recycled 7, and completed 32 repair projects.

No. Habitat sells the homes to partner families with an affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments from homeowners contribute to building more new Habitat homes. Monthly mortgage payment amounts are based on income.

No. Habitat houses cannot be “flipped.” If a family decides to sell their home, Habitat has the first opportunity to purchase the home back. A “silent” second mortgage requires the homeowner to repay a portion of the difference between the affordable first mortgage and the fair market value of the home.

Yes. Since 2011, all Habitat homes are Energy Star certified, meeting strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

Families in need of decent shelter apply to the local affiliate and meet basic requirements:

• Housing need: the applicant’s present housing is too costly, overcrowded, unsafe, temporary, etc. and the applicant is not able to solve this housing issue with their own resources.
• Ability to Pay: All homeownership program participants must qualify for a mortgage to purchase their home and be able to make a small down payment. Factors to qualify may include a stable source of income and reasonable credit score.
• Willingness to become partners in the program, which includes 250-400 hours of sweat equity and homeownership classes.

No. Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County builds a strong relationship with each partner family to ensure their homeownership success. To date there have been no foreclosures locally.

No. Habitat for Humanity is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c) (3) ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat partners with national, state, and local government agencies to advocate and create affordable housing solutions. Habitat has received government grants for the acquisition of land and infrastructure, such as streets and utilities, dependent upon available local city, county, and federal programs and associated requirements.

No. Habitat for Humanity was founded in Americus, Georgia by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976, who dedicated their lives to eliminating poverty housing throughout the world. Former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn are Habitat’s most famous volunteers and enthusiastically support Habitat’s work. Each year they contribute to building projects in the US and other countries.

All net proceeds from the sale of donated items support Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County. Donations to our Store are not used in Habitat homes, rather, they are sold to the public at discounted prices, and are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Our repair program helps people who need critical repairs made to their homes, but do not have the resources to make those repairs. All Critical Home Repair partners must meet three qualifications: demonstrate need, be willing to repay a loan, and perform sweat equity hours for their repair. One example of a home repair is building a ramp for a person severely challenged by stairs; another example is repairing a rotting deck for a homeowner unable to do this repair themselves. Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County is continuously accepting applications for repair projects, particularly in Quilcene and Brinnon. If you are a homeowner having trouble making necessary repairs, we may be able to help!

Learn more here Repair a Home

Habitat is always looking for volunteers to help build houses, but there are many other volunteer opportunities, as well. You may be interested in helping in one of our Habitat stores (Port Townsend and Quilcene), providing treats, working in the office, or a number of other tasks that keep us running. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and help fund the costs of building and repairing homes.