Habitat for Humanity of Orange County

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat for Humanity partners with families to create better, healthier, more financially stable lives. With our help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build a better future for themselves and their families. Through the use of volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds homes for families in need. Habitat for Humanity is a private nonprofit organization that is funded through the generosity of local individuals, businesses, faith organizations, and foundations. Since 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has built over 300 new homes and repaired over 200 homes in Orange County.

Habitat’s vision is that everyone in Orange County has a decent place to live. Homes are sold with zero percent interest mortgages. Homeowners make monthly payments, which are set at 30% or less of their income, making homeownership an affordable reality. In addition to building new homes, Habitat also partners with families who live in non-Habitat homes to assist them in making repairs to their homes, such as exterior painting, siding repairs, installing ramps and handrails, bathroom modifications, roof replacements, etc. By offering repairs as well as new construction, Habitat ensures the most cost-efficient means of providing affordable and safe homes.

Annah moved to the United States in 2014 from Kenya and has since had a dream of owning her own home in a neighborhood for her 11-year-old son. She currently rents an apartment and works as a Nursing Assistant at UNC Hospitals. It seemed like every time she got a raise, the rent would also increase making it hard to save for a home. While looking for a community to get involved with during the pandemic when many things were shut down, she found Habitat. After volunteering for months, she decided to apply for herself and was approved. “Hopefully by the end of this year, my son and I get our own bedrooms. And we get to have wonderful neighbors with children. I have driven down Odie Street on days we aren’ building; children are playing in the street and it’s amazing; it feels like home. I can’t wait to get there,” said Annah. ”It doesn’t look like much during one volunteer shift, but when we build with each other, we’re building the community.”

Questions? Whether you’re interested in learning more about Habitat’s work in the community, becoming a homebuyer, volunteering on our construction site, or making a donation, contact Kaitlyn Kopala at kkopala@orangehabitat.org or visit www.orangehabitat.org.