For more than 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha has been empowering local families to build strength and stability through homeownership.

While Habitat is well-known in our community, we are excited to share more about how we operate, who we serve and the impactful work we do.

This guide will provide a clearer picture of the wonderful opportunities Habitat Omaha creates for families, and how we’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those we help.

1. Habitat Omaha homes are not free

Individuals and families partner with Habitat Omaha to buy a home with a mortgage they can afford. Habitat Omaha Affordable Mortgage Solutions offers low-interest financing for those who may otherwise be unable to obtain conventional mortgages. All buyers must meet the requirements to be eligible for the Home Journey Program, which includes meeting the minimum monthly gross income guidelines. They must also complete 200 hours of sweat equity.

Homeowners are responsible for their monthly mortgage payment, which includes principal and interest, property tax, and homeowner’s insurance escrow.

2. Homebuyers can buy homes for sale on the open market or Habitat Omaha homes

Individuals or families who partner with Habitat Omaha have multiple options for purchasing a home. After qualifying for our Home Journey Program, they can buy a home built or rehabbed by Habitat Omaha, or work with a realtor to find a home for sale on the open market. Homebuyers can also get pre-approved through an outside lender or use Habitat Omaha’s financing.

The Home Journey Program is a path to mortgage readiness. Homebuyers are required to work with a housing coach and complete our homeowner education classes before determining a homebuying path.

Learn more about our Homeownership Program

3. Habitat Omaha Provides Affordable Home Repairs

Home repairs can be expensive, and maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment is essential. That’s why Habitat Omaha offers the Home Repair Loan Program, designed to not only help families but also to support the overall well-being of our community by maintaining the current housing stock. Through this program, qualified families receive a no-interest loan to help pay for necessary repairs to their home with repayment terms to fit their budget.

Habitat Omaha serves as the general contractor, working with trusted subcontractors, and provides a one-year warranty on all work. Repairs include heating, air conditioning, water heaters, roofs, gutters, siding, plumbing, and more. By helping families maintain their homes, Habitat Omaha promotes long-term stability for both families and neighborhoods.

Learn more about Home Repair Program

4. People of all backgrounds can partner with Habitat

Homeowners come to Habitat from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds, including individuals, married couples – with or without children, non-married couples, single parents, multi-generational families, immigrants, and empty nesters.

5. Habitat Omaha Builds a Variety of Homes

We build various homes, including single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes. Our newest design includes the Villas at Bluestem. Designed with active adults and empty nesters in mind, the development offers 10 villas and 10 cottages that perfectly blend comfort and convenience.

Our houses are built with quality materials and designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. We work closely with each family to ensure their new home meets their needs and preferences. Floor plans are available for prospective homeowners to view and choose from as part of the process.

6. Building Communities Through Habitat Omaha

Habitat Omaha has transformed the possibilities for affordable housing in the communities we serve. Over the years, we’ve realized it’s not just about building houses – it’s about building strong, thriving communities.

The first phase of Bluestem Prairie, located at 51st Street and Sorensen Parkway in Omaha, offers 85-home opportunities for families of various sizes, ages and incomes.

Habitat Omaha plans to build 10 single-family homes in Blair during the next five years in the West Valley neighborhood near the former Dana College campus.

The Oak Leaf development in Sarpy County includes 35 acres of full-service mixed-use properties, including apartments and retail. Construction will begin in 2025 on 30 single-family affordable residences.

Located at 210th and Emmet streets in Elkhorn, Capriana is a mixed-income development with 11 single-family homes in a neighborhood that includes high-end apartminiums.

7. Homeowners are Building Generational Wealth

Habitat Omaha helps families build generational wealth through homeownership.

To ensure those homes stay in the family, we offer Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) events, where volunteer attorneys help prepare the document for participants to sign. All events are provided at no cost.

A TODD allows you to pass on your house without a will. By recording a transfer on death deed, you retain homeownership rights during your lifetime, and then the TODD takes effect upon a homeowner’s death, without a need for probate.

Learn more about TODD events

8. Habitat Omaha Offers Community Outreach

Several times a year, Habitat Omaha hosts Rock the Block events in neighborhoods in the Greater Omaha area. The initiative is about neighbors helping neighbors. Dozens of Habitat volunteers converge on a block to help with a variety of minor exterior repairs and curb appeal projects.

Locations for 2025 Rock the Block events include Fort Calhoun, Bellevue, Minne Lusa neighborhood, South Omaha, Millard, Elkhorn, and LaVista