Below is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have other questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to contact us for more details!
Does Habitat give homes away?
No. Habitat homes are purchased by first-time homebuyers who receive an affordable, income-based mortgage. Families are responsible for a small down payment on their home, as well as completing a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity to help build their home and learn more about home ownership and maintenance.
What is HFHFC’s relationship to Habitat for Humanity International?
We are an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the largest non-profit home builder worldwide. Although we work closely with HFHI, we operate independently of HFHI. Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is responsible for raising funds locally to build locally.
Contributions to our affiliate helps to fund projects in Franklin County, including in Chambersburg, St. Thomas, Mercersburg, Waynesboro, Fayetteville, Greencastle, and more; contributions to HFHI helps to fund projects abroad.
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County also tithes to Habitat International to help build in the places it is most needed around the world.
Who is eligible for a Habitat home?
Habitat homes are available to anyone who has a need for affordable, decent, safe housing in Franklin County. Our approval committee will consider such things as income, current living conditions, and the ability to complete program requirements when they receive a completed application.
The information here will help you consider whether our homeownership program is right for you.
What is your address?
The Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County administrative office is located at 1502 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202.
The ReStore address is 1662 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202 (between Lowe’s and Walmart).
What are your hours?
The administrative office is open Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and other hours by appointment only.
The ReStore is open Wednesday – Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Please note that donations may be dropped off up to a half hour before closing. The ReStore is also open for donation deliveries on Tuesday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.
What ages can volunteer?
Construction sites have a minimum age of 16. Youth who are 16 or 17 years old are not permitted to use power tools or ladders. We ask that there be a responsible adult for each 16 or 17 year old volunteering. Beginning at age 14, youth may volunteer for certain activities at the ReStore, please contact the store for more information.
I can’t physically work construction. Is there anything else I can do?
Absolutely! Our ReStore is the perfect place for people who are interested in volunteering but unable to work at construction for various reasons. Volunteers at the ReStore help to run the cash register, interact with and answer questions from customers, help to load or unload purchases or donations, and help to process (clean up and sometimes repair) donated items.
What should I wear?
Construction Sites: Wear work clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring your own work gloves and goggles if you don’t want to wear used gloves or used goggles.
ReStore: A vest or ReStore t-shirt will be provided for you to wear so that others know you’re there to help! Closed toe shoes are also recommended.
What should I bring?
We ask that you bring your own water and lunch, a heart to serve others, and a willingness to learn.
What is "Sweat Equity"?
Sweat equity is the process by which families help build their homes and communities. Each family is required to put in a minimum of 200 hours toward the building of their homes and their neighbors’ homes. At least 100 hours of this time is spent in construction. Other hours of this time may include homeowner education and financial training.
While extended family and friends are encouraged to help along with the homeowner family, there is a minimum amount of hours the family itself will need to perform.
What kind of work might Sweat Equity include?
Construction work, attending educational programs and training sessions provided by HFHFC, or assisting at the ReStore, among other things.
How much does a Habitat home cost?
Habitat’s goal is affordable housing and we work with each qualified family on an individual basis to meet their specific needs. Many items contribute to the cost of a home and factor into determining a Habitat homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment, such as income, real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance.
Homeowners pay a modest down payment amount and will receive an affordable mortgage. As homeowners make their mortgage payments, the money is reinvested in building or rehabbing homes for future Habitat families.
What types of houses does HFHFC build?
New HFHFC homes are typically 1-story 3-bedroom ranch-style homes and are normally around 1200 sq feet. We build homes that match well with the neighboring houses. Consideration is given to any unique dynamics that homeowners may need.
What is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore?
Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. The items sold are available to the public and similar to what you may see in other home goods stores, such as furniture, appliances, a box of tile, or a vintage treasure you won’t find anywhere else. However, Habitat ReStores are more than just re-sell stores.
What happens with my donation? Does it go into a home built by Habitat?
Material donations are not used in Habitat-build homes. Instead, our ReStore sells them at low cost to the public.
The ReStore generates a valuable revenue stream that enables Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County to build more decent, affordable housing for hard-working low-income families. Your donation not only helps to support the construction of Habitat homes, it also helps reduce the costs of home improvement for other homeowners in Franklin County and the surrounding communities.
How do Habitat ReStores help the environment?
When items are donated to the ReStore they are kept out of the landfill and given a second chance at life. The ReStore has diverted an average of 1,353,479 pounds (677 tons) each year from the landfill since opening in 2016.
*Calculated using a simple formula to figure out the weight of items diverted from the landfill (1.3 pound per dollar of average yearly sales).
Is the ReStore open to the public?
Yes! Stop by at our ReStore Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm or Saturday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Our ReStore is closed Sunday – Monday.
The ReStore is open for donations Tuesday 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, Wednesday – Friday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.
What donations does the ReStore accept?
We accept home improvement items (items you would usually purchase at Lowe’s or Home Depot), furniture and home decor. ReStore donations come from all kinds of sources – from homeowners or contractors after a home project or a warehouse getting rid of last years’ model. You can find a list of items we accept here.
Will the ReStore pick up my donation(s)?
The ReStore schedules their pick ups anywhere from 1-2 weeks out, depending on the schedule and your location. Call 717-491-1156 to schedule a pick up or click here to schedule online.
Does the ReStore pick up donations inside my home?
All donations should be easily accessible from the driveway, porch, or garage at your scheduled pickup time. No assistance loading the items into the truck is required. Feel free to call for more details.
What does the ReStore sell?
The ReStore tends to resemble a home improvement store – a very unique one. You’ll find items that fit into the following categories: building materials, appliances, furniture, home decor and so much more! The items you’ll find will range from brand new to gently used, and there will likely be a wide range of brands and styles.
Of course, that’s not all you’ll find. The inventory of the ReStore depends on donations, so you never know exactly what you’ll find. We recommend heading to the ReStore today to see what is in stock! (And the next week, and the next…)
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
