Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1987, builds homes across the Indianapolis area and sells them to first-time buyers with a zero-interest mortgage, with payments recycled into building more homes. It runs four ReStores and a home repair program. Here is how to qualify, what is involved, and how to help.
Buyers complete Habitat University financial and home-maintenance classes, invest 200 partnership hours, and then purchase the home with a zero-interest mortgage, paying modest closing costs. Those payments go into a revolving fund that builds the next home. The organization is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, and homes go to first-time buyers.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | Targets households at roughly 30% to 80% of Area Median Income under HUD limits. |
| Residency | U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived or worked in the service area for the past 12 months. |
| Income history | Two years of verifiable income and the ability to repay, plus 12 months of stable rental history. |
| Credit | Perfect credit is not required; Habitat reviews your overall financial picture and willingness to address credit challenges. |
| Residence | The home must be your primary residence; married applicants apply with their spouse. |
| Sweat equity | 200 partnership hours through Habitat University classes and building Habitat homes. |
The five counties are Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, and Shelby.
The first step is an interest form, which leads to an information session. From there the path runs through an eligibility assessment based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner, then Habitat University courses and the 200 partnership hours, and finally purchase with the zero-interest mortgage.
Applications run through this process rather than fixed calendar windows, so the interest form and info session are the way in.
Greater Indy Habitat runs four ReStores, in Indianapolis on West Washington Street, Avon, Fishers, and Greenfield, open Tuesday through Saturday and selling donated home goods and building materials at 50 to 75 percent off retail. They take drop-off donations during business hours and offer free pickup every day except Sunday, scheduled in short arrival windows.
Its Homeowner Repair Program handles exterior, health and safety, and energy-efficiency repairs, from roofing and porches to accessibility and HVAC. The organization recently broke ground on Devon Creek, its first new neighborhood development in Marion County in 25 years.
Volunteers must be at least 16, with 18 required to operate power tools or work on ladders above six feet. You can register online for build sites or the ReStore, and no experience is needed. Donating money, shopping or donating at a ReStore, and joining a build are the main ways to help.
Since 1987 the organization has built 866 regional homes and completed 351 home repairs, serving more than 1,100 families in Greater Indianapolis. It holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 95 percent score and the Candid Platinum Seal. Its EIN is 35-1715910.
Homes sold to first-time buyers with a 0% interest mortgage.
Exterior, safety, and energy-efficiency repairs for existing owners.
Four stores selling donated home goods and building materials.
Required financial and home-maintenance education for buyers.
Devon Creek, its first new Marion County neighborhood in 25 years.
Buyer payments recycle into building more homes.
Sources: Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity (indyhabitat.org) become-a-homebuyer, ReStore, and FAQ pages; Charity Navigator and Candid (EIN 35-1715910). The income range reflects HUD limits cited by the affiliate. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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