Homeownership | Habitat For Humanity of Franklin County

Helping Families Become Homeowners

Decent. Affordable. Attainable.

Habitat for Humanity builds decent and affordable homes around the world in partnership with families in need of a decent place to live.

Homeownership Qualifications and Requirements

The following is a brief overview of the qualifications for our program and is provided for informational purposes only.

Qualifications

Lived and/or worked in Franklin County for at least 1 year.
Current living conditions are sub-standard.
Have never owned property before.
Can provide proof of reliable income.
Annual income falls within HUD’s Pennsylvania limits.
Willing to partner with Habitat For Humanity by contributing a minimum of 250 hours (200 for single individuals) of “sweat equity” in house construction or other approved activities.

Requirements

Once applications are open, the following needs to be provided:

Proof of steady, reliable income as required.
Present and previous landlord information: Name, address, and telephone number.
Business references: Name, address, and telephone number.
Copies of your last two checking and savings account statements.
Copies of your two most recent paychecks.
Copies of your two most recent income tax returns.
List of all current monthly expenses, including rent, electricity, child care, food, etc.
Name of all creditors, amount owed to each, and monthly payment amount.
Check or money order to cover the cost of a credit/background check ($25.00 per adult in household).

2025 HFHFC Income Requirements

Applicants must have a steady annual income within the limits set by HUD annually for Pennsylvania.

Family Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Minimum
$20,100
$22,950
$26,650
$32,150
$37,650
$43,150
$48,650
$54,150

Maximum
$53,500
$61,150
$68,800
$76,400
$82,550
$88,650
$94,750
$100,850

Income Calculator

Enter the total monthly gross income for your household below to see if you meet the income guidelines for consideration.

Applications are currently closed

We expect the application period to remain closed until mid 2025.

Frequently Asked Homeownership Questions

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?

You may be asked to do a number of various things, such as:

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

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.

I have other questions

Ask away!

Don’t hesitate to contact our team at 717-267-1899 or info@habitatfranklinpa.org if you’d like more information about anything you see (or don’t see) here.

Office Hours

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

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

ReStore Shopping Hours

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

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

About Us

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

Get Involved

Ways to Donate
Volunteer Opportunities
ReStore Donation Pickup Scheduling Request

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.

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

DONATE

Questions about financial donations? Please contact mark@habitatfranklinpa.org

Our EIN # is 25-1706987

Helping Families Become Homeowners