Factsheet

What We Do

Habitat Chattanooga works with low-income families who would not otherwise be able to afford a house. We partner with hardworking families in need and help them build affordable houses for themselves and their families at no interest and no profit. We are not a charity or a “handout” program, but rather we help families help themselves. We have built houses for 290+ families in need!

About The Homeowners

We work with families whose total income is between 30% – 80% of the area median income. Families are accepted to the Habitat program based on their need, ability to pay a zero percent interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner. Applicants must be residents of Hamilton County, TN.

Once accepted, homeowners are eligible to buy a house from Habitat with a 30-year zero percent interest mortgage. Families spend a minimum of 200-400 hours working and building “sweat equity” where they support and help build their own home and the homes of their neighbors. Monthly payments average $450 - $475 (including taxes and insurance).

How We Are Funded

Our funding comes through partnerships with individuals, corporations, foundations, faith organizations and civic groups. It costs approximately $120,000 to build a Habitat house, including materials, tools and supplies. Habitat Chattanooga is funded by individual donations, support from businesses, churches, social groups, foundations, Habitat for Humanity programs, as well as some federal funding secured through competitive grant applications. Our ReStores- in Chattanooga and Ooltewah are an additional source of funding for operational expenses.

The Role of Volunteers

At Habitat Chattanooga, volunteers are the heart of our organization. From board members to those directly involved in construction, volunteers make the difference. Our volunteers build the houses, raise funds, work in our administrative offices, provide lunch for volunteers at the work site, work at our ReStore and do much, much more.

Habitat ReStore

Chattanooga’s Habitat for Humanity operates two building materials resale operations, known as ReStore, that feature new and used cabinets, furniture, appliances and other building materials, sold to the public at 50-75% below retail prices. For more information visit our Restore page or call 423-634-1004.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian non-profit housing organization working in partnership with God's people in need to build simple, decent, and affordable homes. We have been in our community since 1986.

  • Absolutely not! Habitat partner families put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity in homeownership preparation classes, pay their own mortgage closing costs, and have 30 year mortgages on their homes with monthly payments.

  • Our service area is Hamilton County, Tennessee, however the majority of our building efforts take place within the City of Chattanooga.

  • Our funding primarily comes from individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups and foundations, as well as proceeds from home goods resale operation - ReStores in Ooltewah and Chattanooga.

    Competitively obtained HOME grant funds assist with the construction of homes when available. Funding is also obtained from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency's Newstart program. By design, more than 50% of our funding must come from non-governmental sources each year.

  • The ReStore is a building materials operation that collects used building materials and home goods and makes them available to the public at low prices. Proceeds benefit Habitat's home building efforts. Visit the ReStore tab of our website for more information.

  • We are able to build affordable homes because Habitat takes no profit on the sales of the homes and does not charge home buyers interest. Ongoing community support, financial support, along with countless volunteer hours, and donated materials help make the process possible.

    What does that mean for Chattanooga Habitat homeowners?

    • No cash down payment

    • An affordable mortgage that is 30% of income at time of closing

    • 0% interest mortgage

    • Fixed closing costs

  • Since our founding in 1986, we have served families through new construction, home repair, and aging in place programs. Additional projects are currently under way.

    • 290+ new homes in our community

    • 95 home repair projects

    • 38 aging in place projects

  • The first step in applying for homeownership is to complete a pre-application (See the Own a Home section of this website) and return it to our office. Family services staff will review the pre-application and contact you for next steps in the process.

  • Check the details on the Volunteer Page