Frequently Asked Questions

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!

General Questions

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.

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.

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.

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). 

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. 

Volunteer Questions

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.

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.

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.

We ask that you bring your own water and lunch, a heart to serve others, and a willingness to learn.

Homeownership Questions

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.

Construction work, attending educational programs and training sessions provided by HFHFC, or assisting at the ReStore, among other things.

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.

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.

ReStore Questions

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.

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.

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). 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE HOLIDAY HOURS

THE RESTORE AND OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 24-25  AND JANUARY 1 FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS DAY WITH THEIR FAMILIES

We will reopen again for our regular business hours on Thursday, December 26, and Thursday, January 2.

Office Hours

CLOSED DECEMBER 25-26 FOR CHRISTMAS AND JANUARY 1 FOR NEW YEARS DAY

Monday: 9am – 2pm
Tuesday: 9am – 2pm
Wednesday: 9am – 2pm
Thursday: 9am – 2pm
(other hours by appointment only)

Store Hours

*Please note that the ReStore is open for donation drop offs up to a half hour before closing.

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Sunday: CLOSED

About Us

Our Story
Our Team
Our Impact
Homeownership Qualifications
Habitat ReStore
Frequently Asked Questions
News & Events

Get Involved

Ways to Donate
Volunteer Opportunities
Schedule ReStore Pick Up

Get in Touch

Affiliate Office

1502 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-267-1899

ReStore

1662 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-491-1156

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