Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, founded in 1987 and formerly known as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Columbus, builds affordable homes across central Ohio. Its homeownership program runs 12 to 18 months of building, classes, and community service. Here is how to qualify, what is involved, and how to help.
The homeownership program is a 12 to 18 month partnership of building participation, financial-education classes, and community service. The affiliate asks applicants to show they can pay a monthly mortgage covering the house payment, homeowner's insurance, and taxes; it does not publish a specific interest rate.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | 30 to 60 percent of area median income for homeownership; up to 80 percent for the home repair program. |
| Credit and debt | No open liens or judgments, no more than $1,000 in collections, current on utilities for at least three months, and any bankruptcy discharged for at least two years. |
| Employment | Six months at the current job and at least a year of work overall. |
| Sweat equity | 200 to 250 hours, roughly 20 to 30 hours a month over the 12 to 18 month process. |
The affiliate serves Franklin, Licking, and Madison counties in central Ohio.
To request an application, call (614) 484-1966 or email [email protected], then submit the completed packet with the required documents to the office. The site does not list fixed application windows, so contacting the office is the way to start.
Selection follows the standard Habitat criteria of need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.
Habitat MidOhio runs three ReStores, on Westerville Road in Columbus, in Newark, and in Hilliard, selling donated appliances, cabinets, doors, flooring, furniture, and building materials. You can drop off donations Monday through Saturday during the day, and free pickup is available for large items.
Its home repair program serves owner-occupied homes at or below 80 percent of area median income, and the affiliate also runs Rock the Block neighborhood revitalization, the Devon Triangle multifamily development, Veterans Build, and Women Build.
Volunteers can work on build sites at 16, with minors accompanied by an adult at a set ratio, and build days run most Tuesdays through Saturdays. You create an account on the volunteer portal and sign an electronic waiver, with no orientation required.
Habitat MidOhio holds a three-star rating from Charity Navigator with an 87 percent score. Its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 31-1217994.
Affordable homes through a 12 to 18 month building partnership.
Repairs for owner-occupants at or below 80% of area median income.
Three stores, in Columbus, Newark, and Hilliard, with free pickup.
Neighborhood revitalization events.
A multifamily development project.
Targeted volunteer and build initiatives.
Sources: Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio (habitatmidohio.org) homeownership, home-repair, ReStore, and history pages; Charity Navigator (EIN 31-1217994). The mortgage interest rate is not published. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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