Habitat for Humanity - Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity

Home construction/homeowner program: Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity (brhfh) provides decent, affordable housing for low-income families earning between 30% - 80% of the annual area median income (ami) defined by hud. Ensuring that partner family mortgage payments are capped at 29% of gross annual income, brhfh safeguards against cost burdens. As an award-winning affordable housing builder, brhfh focuses on constructing quality, durable, and well-designed homes, making them not only affordable to buy but also to maintain in the long term. Through thoughtful design, brhfh takes pride in creating energy-efficient, sustainable, and durable homes. Despite the steady increase in construction costs, brhfh utilizes grant and donor funding to underwrite home sale prices for partner families. The nationwide rise in home prices over the past year has led to more low-to-moderate income families being priced out of the homeownership market. Leveraging funds raised through donations and grants, brhfh addresses this challenge by offering affordable homeownership opportunities to families facing limited housing options in an increasingly difficult market. Brhfh's homeownership program empowers families to enhance their living conditions, invest in their community, and create future growth opportunities. Since its establishment in 1997, brhfh has served a total of 87 families, including 3 families and continued construction on 5 other homes. Currently managing approximately $1 million in projects with 3 homes in strasburg, va, and 2 of the 5 homes at the norris village site in winchester, va. This commitment resonates with the organization's dedication to making a lasting impact on working families and the community.

Winchester restore: the restore plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of brhfh by offering donated goods to the community at reduced prices. The funds generated from the sale of donated items directly contribute to providing affordable housing to low-income families. Not only does the restore program contribute financially, but it also makes a tangible difference in environmental sustainability. In fy23, it kept 322,000 lbs of waste out of landfills, provided local employment and volunteer opportunities and supplied affordable home goods to over 18,000 customers committed to sustainable shopping in our local community. It's important to note that for every dollar spent in the restore, $1.70 is injected back into the local community, both directly and indirectly. Your generous donation would not only support our mission of affordable housing but also contribute to the broader well-being and sustainability of our community. Join us in making a lasting impact and transforming lives.

Home repair program: brhfh's home preservation/repair program is dedicated to critical home repairs for low-income homeowners, specifically veterans and seniors, facing challenges in maintaining their homes due to age, disability, or family circumstances. The program focuses on interior and exterior repairs designed to address critical health and safety issues. Examples of these repairs include repairing and replacing leaky roofs, safety, and accessibility, fixing porch and door entryways, and installing ramps for enhanced accessibility. To achieve its mission, brhfh collaborates with volunteers, local subcontractors, and other non-profit organizations, pooling resources to complete repairs that support families to age in place in their homes. In fiscal year 2023, brhfh successfully served 35 families through its home preservation/repair program. This reflects brhfh's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable homeowners and creating safer, more sustainable living environments.

Other program services: brhfh recognizes the strategic importance of a diverse array of programs required to impact the mission. With a primary focus on affordable housing opportunities, brhfh has strategically invested in the following programs: the organization manages and services a mortgage portfolio comprising 50 active mortgages. These non-interest mortgages are held by individuals who have successfully completed our homeowner program. Mortgage holders undergo comprehensive financial education, housing counseling classes, and other sessions before finalizing the purchase of their homes. Prior to qualifying for homeownership, each mortgage holder dedicates up to 250 sweat equity hours to the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. Additionally, brhfh currently owns and manages 6 rental units, offering below-market rates to qualified tenants. The acquisition of these units is part of the organization's commitment to preserving affordable rentals in targeted neighborhoods and communities.