Homeownership Program

Beyond the eligibility requirements listed above, Habitat home owners have a demonstrated need for housing, the ability to pay a mortgage and a willingness to partner with us. This includes completing a set number of “sweat equity” hours by volunteering with Habitat or working on your own home build. Habitat requires a stable job history, with the specific income guidelines listed above

We currently build homes in Douglas County, Sarpy County and Washington County – from North Omaha to Bellevue to Elkhorn to Blair.

We build a variety of homes, including single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes. All of 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.

Our income guidelines are based on the median income for the Omaha area, adjusted for your family size. Generally, if your household income is between 30% and 80% of the average median income (AMI), you may qualify. We review all applicants’ financial situations individually, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a more specific assessment.

“Sweat equity” refers to the time and effort future homeowners invest in building their own homes or helping to build other Habitat homes. This could involve unskilled or skilled construction work, attending homeowner education classes, or volunteering at our ReStore. It’s a key part of our program because it fosters a sense of ownership and community among our homeowners.

Our Home Journey program prepares families with education and other tools to become mortgage-ready and set financial goals and plans. Habitat Omaha offers its own affordable mortgages, with interest rates that are significantly lower than the market rate, making homeownership more accessible for more people.

The Habitat Home Journey program includes down payment assistance, and the mortgage payments contributed by homeowners are reinvested into the community to help build more Habitat houses. We support homeowners from start to finish.

The entire process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. This timeline includes application review, financial education, sweat equity completion and the building of your home. We understand it’s a lengthy process, but it ensures you’re well-prepared for successful homeownership–and that the home can remain with your family well into the future.

Prior to move-in, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha provides support through homeowner education programs, financial coaching and community engagement opportunities. After you’re handed the keys to your new home, Habitat will provide community resources and referrals to other local organizations based upon your family’s needs.

Habitat hosts “Rock the Block” events to do yard clean up and other neighborhood improvement projects that bring together volunteers and homeowners throughout the year.

Your Habitat home may also be eligible for qualifying home repairs in the future as part of our Home Repair program.

We want to make sure you feel confident and supported as you transition to homeownership.

If you meet eligibility requirements, fill out the pre-application form below. A team member will evaluate your information within 60 days. You will hear from us via email or phone with additional questions and explain the rest of the process and next steps.

Absolutely! We welcome volunteers and donors who want to help us build homes and communities. Whether you want to swing a hammer, help in our ReStore, or make a financial contribution, there are many ways to get involved.