
Homeownership with Habitat
Our homeownership program provides a unique opportunity for those who are in need of an affordable place to call home to take an active role in the construction of and eventual purchase of their own home. When South County Habitat for Humanity (SCHH) accepts an applicant into the homeownership program they become partners with SCHH and this partnership will remain for the duration of homeownership. Accepted applicants can anticipate the program will take about 18 to 24 months from acceptance to purchasing their home.
To learn more about the homeownership program review our Introduction to Homeownership Guide found here and explore the topics below.
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Is there an age requirement to volunteer?To volunteer at our ReStore or on our construction sites volunteers must be 16 or older. 16 and 17 year old's must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and submit a completed waiver for minors form. If you are younger than 16 or have questions, please contact us at 401.213.6711.
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I don't have construction experience, can I still volunteer on site?Absolutely! We welcome volunteers on our construction sites regardless of prior experience or skill level. Our experienced staff and volunteer crew leaders will provide you with the necessary safety equipment, tools, and knowledge for a safe and fun day on site!
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How do I get started?Start by reviewing the different volunteer options found here to see what volunteer role is of interest to you. Then follow the instructions for registering or call us at 401.213.6711 to learn more. Have court-mandated service to complete? Fill out our community service form found here
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What is the ReStore?ReStore is a non-profit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, building materials, appliances and home accessories to the public at a fraction of the retail price. With help from local donors, shoppers and volunteers, proceeds from ReStore cover 100% of South County Habitat for Humanity's overhead expenses, allowing every dollar donated to go directly towards building affordable homes. Volunteers in our ReStore must be 16 or older. We have several ReStore volunteer opportunities available, learn more here.
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What is the time commitment?We understand our volunteers are busy with many obligations outside of Habitat so we try to have a wide variety of roles to fit your availability. We are always in need of volunteers who can commit to joining us on a regular basis. Construction: Shifts on the build site are typically offered Tuesday through Friday (and some Saturdays) for ~4-6 hours. We have construction volunteers that take part in a shift each week, we have some who come monthly, and some who stop by when they get the chance. As long as you register for the build ahead of time, we welcome you whenever you are able to attend! We also welcome 'one time' volunteers. ReStore: Our ReStore is a thrift store primarily operated by volunteers, thus we do hope volunteers are able to commit to a weekly shift to help our store run smoothly. Shifts are 4 hours in the morning or afternoon. (Certain ReStore volunteer positions, such as a donation scheduler or truck assistants, may require longer hours, or more than one shift per week. Learn more about ReStore opportunities here).
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What do I wear/bring to a build site?Clothing: Construction volunteers should wear clothes that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather, we often recommend layers as the temperature can change drastically. Footwear: Work boots or sturdy sneakers are required, no open-toe or open-back shoes are permitted on our build sites. Food/Drink: Please bring a re-usable water bottle to site, working on the construction site can be very physically demanding, so be sure to keep hydrated. Our crews typically have a coffee break mid-morning (provided on site), but feel free to bring snacks. Other: We provide all safety equipment and tools, but some volunteers like to bring their own, if so please be sure your tools are clearly labeled with your name. We also suggest bringing sunscreen, especially in the warmer months as our build sites are often in areas without shade.
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What do I wear/bring to the ReStore?Clothing: Please dress appropriately for a store setting. Comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty is suggested. Footwear: Sturdy sneakers are required, no open-toe or open-back shoes are permitted for volunteers in our ReStore. Food/Drink: Please bring a re-usable water bottle, it's important to stay hydrated! We offer coffee and some light snacks, but feel free to bring your own.
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Can I arrive late or leave early from a shift?Late arrivals: We depend heavily on the reliability of our volunteers. Please do your best to be on time for your shift or build day. Arriving late may mean missing important information or assignments. Early departures: We request volunteers plan to stay for their entire scheduled shift. However, we understand circumstances arise that may require early departures. If you need to leave early please let your supervisor know so they can plan accordingly.
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I can't make it to my shift, how do I cancel?ReStore or office: Please contact Emily, Volunteer Coordinator, at 401.213.6711 or emily@southcountyhabitat.org Construction: Build site volunteers are required to register online in advance for all build opportunities. When you register for a build shift you receive an email confirmation that contains the option to 'cancel', please follow the instructions from there. For assistance please contact Emily, Volunteer Coordinator, at 401.213.6711 or emily@southcountyhabitat.org Committee or event volunteers: Please reach out directly to your chairperson or staff liaison.
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What if there is inclement weather on my build day?All volunteers are required to pre-register online for build days. If for any reason we need to cancel a build we will notify you via email as soon as possible. We suggest checking your email before heading to the build site so you can learn about any cancellations, location changes or parking instructions. You can also call our Volunteer Hotline at 401.213.6711 x8 or 401.213.3204 for up-to-date closures or location change notices.
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Can my group volunteer with you?Yes! We welcome groups out to our build sites, please visit our Group Opportunities page here to learn more and complete a Group Build Interest Form. We will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss the opportunities available.
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Is lunch provided?Unfortunately we are not able to provide lunch for volunteers with the exception of certain events. If your shift spans the lunch hour we ask that you bring a lunch.
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Is everyone welcome to volunteer on the construction site?We welcome all adults over the age of 16 to volunteer, regardless of gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, or experience. Our builds generally take place from Tuesday to Saturday, with Fridays and Saturdays typically reserved for group opportunities. Our Thursday build, known as the Women's Build, was officially formed in 2005 to create a welcoming and safe space for women on the construction site. While we continue to honor the tradition of the Women's Build on Thursdays, everyone is invited to join us.
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Do you have opportunities for court-mandated service?Yes! We accept court-mandated service volunteers on a case-by-case basis. Typically these hours are completed in our ReStore, our non-profit thrift store. To inquire about court-ordered service please complete the form found here: Court-mandated service
Frequently Asked Questions
Qualification
Need: Applicant(s) must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing
Ability to Pay: Able to pay a low interest mortgage and earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, (view chart below).
Willingness to Partner: Applicant(s) agree to partner with Habitat including completing required hours of Sweat Equity, homebuyer education classes and other program requirements.

*Based on HUD guidelines - subject to change
How to Apply
We are not currently accepting applications for homeownership.
To be notified when homeownership opportunities are available, complete our homeownership interest form found here.
South County Habitat for Humanity accepts applications on a periodic basis depending on opportunities available. During open application rounds you can submit your complete application along with supporting documentation electronically, via mail, or by dropping it off at our office in Charlestown.
Review our Introduction to Homeownership Guide found here for a more detailed look at the homeownership program and documents that will be required for applying.

Benefits of Habitat Homeownership
Affordability: The safety and security of owning your own home with an affordable mortgage and low utility and maintenance cost. Our homes are built to the highest energy efficiency ratings and designed to be easy and low-cost to maintain.
Education: All homebuyers participate in homebuyer education classes to prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Partnership: Homebuyers are able to learn practical skills and develop meaningful relationships with the Habitat community while getting the unique opportunity to help work on their own home!
Trusted Partner: For more than 35 years, South County Habitat for Humanity has sold Habitat homes to 86 homebuyers.

Journey to Homeownership






1. Applications open
Applications for Habitat homes open as soon as a project is fully funded, prior to the start of construction or renovation.
2. Submit complete application
Most application rounds are open for a 30-day period, in that time you must submit your complete application and required documentation. If you have questions during the process contact the Habitat office for assistance, we are here to help! Incomplete applications will not be considered.
3. Financial review
Applications are reviewed for financial eligibility by qualified financial professionals. If we have questions regarding your application we may contact you for clarification.
4. Board presentation
Applications that are financially qualified are presented to the Board of Directors for final approval. This is an anonymous process, the Board is not provided with any identifying information, only necessary information relating to income and need for housing.
5. Orientation
Applicants that are approved for homeownership meet with their newly assigned Homeowner Advocate* and Habitat staff for an in-depth review of the Habitat program. At this time the future homebuyers sign a Partnership Agreement outlining the program requirements of both the buyer and SCHH.
*Homeowner Advocates are Habitat volunteers who volunteer their time partnering with future homebuyers on their journey to homeownership, serving as a liaison between the family and SCHH.
6. Begin program requirements
After orientation the family will begin completing their Sweat Equity* Requirements and taking required Homebuyer Education courses.
*Sweat Equity refers to the non-monetary investment future homebuyers contribute to the construction of their home or other SCHH projects. Sweat Equity is primarily completed on the construction sites, but may also involve volunteering in the SCHH ReStore, assisting with or attending events, completing homeownership workshops, and more.

7. Home Dedication and closing
After all Sweat Equity hours and other program requirements have been satisfied, it is time for the home dedication! This is an exciting event where all of the volunteers, donors, supporters, the future homebuyers, and their friends & family come together at the home to celebrate. This is a celebration of all the work put into the home as well as a way to welcome the partner family to their new home.
Soon after the dedication the future homebuyer will sign their loan agreements and move into their new home.
Where we Build
We build homes in every town within Washington County, Rhode Island.
In our 35 year history we have built 65 homes and repaired or made accessibility modifications on 47 more.
To the right is an interactive map of the permanent affordable homeownership units we have built.
Currently, we are simultaneously building four more homes in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. Each of these units has an approved homebuyer.