Habitat for Humanity D.C. & Northern Virginia, formed by a 2021 merger of the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia affiliates, builds and sells affordable homes across the national capital area. It describes providing interest-free mortgages and runs three ReStores. Here is how to qualify, how to apply, and how to help.
The affiliate builds homes and sells them below market value to families who qualify for an affordable monthly payment, in one of the country's most expensive housing markets. In its own words, it offers a hand up to homeownership through sweat equity, donor support, volunteer labor, and interest-free mortgages, with reduced down payments and payments set in proportion to income.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | Low-to-moderate income, generally 30 to 80 percent of area median income. |
| Need | A demonstrated need for safe, affordable housing. |
| Credit | Must meet the program's income and credit requirements. |
| Ability to pay | Able to afford an affordable mortgage payment. |
| Sweat equity | Required volunteer hours helping to build a Habitat home, plus financial education; the affiliate does not publish a specific hour count. |
| Selection | First-come, first-served, not a lottery; applications are processed once complete. |
Homebuyers also complete pre- and post-purchase financial education covering foreclosure prevention and home maintenance.
Applying starts with a required information session, since applications submitted without attending one are denied. From there, applicants work to secure home financing, submit a completed application, and schedule an appointment with the Family Services team, then complete financial education and volunteer hours.
Because selection is first-come, first-served rather than a lottery, complete applications are processed in the order they arrive.
Habitat DC-NoVA runs three ReStores, in Alexandria, Chantilly, and Herndon, selling donated home-improvement goods and furniture to fund the mission. They take drop-off donations and offer a donation pickup service.
Beyond building, the affiliate works to reduce housing instability across the national capital area by creating and preserving affordable, energy-efficient homes for residents with low and moderate incomes.
Donating money, shopping or donating at a ReStore, and joining a build day are the main ways to help, and you can sign up to volunteer through the affiliate's site.
Habitat DC-NoVA holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 92 percent score. Its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 52-1589700, and it has partnered with families across the region for more than 35 years.
Homes sold below market value with interest-free mortgages.
Three stores, in Alexandria, Chantilly, and Herndon, with pickup.
Pre- and post-purchase classes for homebuyers.
Work to create and preserve affordable, energy-efficient homes.
Build days for individuals and groups.
Free pickup of large donated items for the ReStores.
Sources: Habitat for Humanity D.C. & Northern Virginia (habitatdcnova.org) homeownership, ReStore, and about pages; Charity Navigator (EIN 52-1589700). A specific sweat-equity hour count is not published. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Habitat for Humanity D.C. & Northern Virginia and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
More Habitat affiliates and donation guides