"I enjoy not being treated like a charity case and that the program is a partnership to help families reach the goal of homeownership." -Megan, homeowner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County?
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County (HFHWC) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization and ecumenical Christian ministry that works with low-income families and donors to build simple, decent homes and sell them with no profit and no interest. HFHWC was fully incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International on December 5, 1992. We have built more than 100 homes in Williamson County and continue to build 8 to 10 new homes per year.

How does it work?
HFHWC offers a hand up, not a handout. We sell simple, decent homes to qualifying families at no profit and carry the 30-year mortgages at 0 percent interest. Habitat serves as both the general contractor and the mortgage lender on all of the houses. Selected families are required to contribute up to 500 hours of "sweat equity" both in construction and community service before they can move into their homes. More than 70 percent of the work done on each house is done through volunteer labor, and HFHWC receives donations of money and materials from individuals, companies, and groups who are committed to the ministry of Habitat.

How do communities benefit from Habitat's work?
Habitat not only helps individual families-it helps the larger community. Habitat's mission is to eliminate substandard housing from the face of the earth. We work towards this goal by replacing run-down lots and condemned houses with new, well-built homes. Habitat's work illustrates that affordable housing is possible in Williamson County.

Who does HFHWC serve?
HFHWC serves low and very low income families who live and/or work in Williamson County. We strive to serve those who earn between 30 percent and 55 percent of the median income for the Nashville area and would not qualify for conventional financing.

How are families selected?
Families must fit three basic criteria to qualify for a Habitat home.
• They must demonstrate need by living in substandard or overcrowded living conditions or by paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing.
• They must have an ability to pay, demonstrated by fitting our income guidelines, and their debt-to-income ratio must be less than 30 percent.
• They must demonstrate cooperation with the committee on all paperwork, home visits, and sweat equity, including completion of a budgeting class.

Where does HFHWC build?
We have built more than 100 homes in neighborhoods through out Williamson County, including Spring Hill, Franklin and Fairview. As an affiliate of Habitat International, we also tithe 10 percent of all unrestricted funds to build internationally. HFHWC currently tithes to Mozambique, a country where HIV has taken the lives of many middle aged citizens leaving siblings to raise the family in many cases.

How much does a Habitat house cost?
We build a house for just above $100,000 and sell it to the homeowner at no profit and no interest for $120,000. Habitat both builds the houses and services the loans. Each family pays the $120,000 mortgage over 30 years.

How are the houses funded?
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County works with churches, corporations, civic groups, and other organizations to fund its homes.

How is Habitat Williamson County governed?
Our affiliate is governed by a board of directors, composed of volunteers who represent various areas of Williamson County and donate their time to support Habitat's mission. The board sets policies and strategic goals. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director with the help of staff and volunteers.

How can I help?
Contact us to find out how you can get involved!