Programs
& Services
Discover the comprehensive programs and services we offer to support families and communities across Oʻahu.
How Habitat Works
Habitat works when everyone works together. From donors to volunteers to hard-working homeowners, here's how we bring people together to build homes and communities.
Our Programs
Each and every day, people all over the world (and across Hawaii) partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer families strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Through this partnership, each family has the opportunity to build and purchase their own decent home with an affordable non-profit mortgage.
Homeownership Program
Our primary program that helps families build and purchase their own homes through sweat equity and affordable financing. Families partner with Habitat to construct their homes alongside volunteers.
Critical Home Repair
We help existing homeowners maintain safe, decent housing through critical repairs and accessibility modifications. This program keeps families in their homes and communities stable.
Home Build Program Guide
We partner with families on Oahu to achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership. Habitat homebuyers help build their homes alongside volunteers, participate in financial education classes, and pay an affordable mortgage.
Access to Land
Families must own land or have a long-term land lease (30+ years).
Ability to Pay
Families must demonstrate steady income and be in good financial health.
Need for Housing
Families must demonstrate a need for decent, affordable housing.
Willingness to Partner
Families that partner with Habitat must actively participate in the construction of their home.
Why Homeownership Matters in Hawaii
The affordable housing crisis on Oahu is urgent. Working families in Hawaii face the highest housing costs in our nation. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, 1 in 5 households in Hawaii were spending half or more of their income on housing.
Wealth building — Homeownership is a catalyst to wealth building and financial stability.
Health — Decent, affordable housing improves physical and mental health.
Education — Homeownership leads to improved educational outcomes, better test scores and higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance.
Civic engagement — Homeownership promotes civic and social engagement.
Sustainability — Affordable, sustainable homes reduce energy consumption, diminishing the energy burden for low-income households.
How Communities Benefit
When the people of a community are strengthened, the whole community is improved.
Habitat Homeownership Creates Property Tax Payers
Families who partner with Honolulu Habitat are active, invested families who care deeply for the communities they are a part of. As families settle into their new homes and become part of the tax base, the whole community is strengthened.
Habitat Connects People Directly to Those They Are Helping
Every person who donates their time and money is a key part of changing a family's future. Partner families aren't people who are in faraway places – they're individuals who live and work here in Hawaii.
Committed Home Buyers Improve Homeownership Base
When a community has a high rate of homeownership, a beautiful cycle of investment begins. This commitment to a better community means that everyone enjoys a stronger and healthier neighborhood.
Invested Homeowners Overcome Urban and Rural Blight
When invested homeowners focus their attention on keeping their home and community in excellent condition, neighborhoods enjoy higher levels of safety, security, and pride of ownership.
Volunteering with Habitat Develops Team-Building Skills
There's something special about serving together, and sharing an experience that is not only enjoyable, but makes a lasting impact for a family in need. Churches, businesses, and organizations of all types and sizes can partner with us.
Support Services
Comprehensive services that ensure our partner families have the tools and knowledge needed for successful homeownership.
Financial Education
Comprehensive financial literacy training covering budgeting, credit repair, and homeownership responsibilities.
Homeowner Education
Training in home maintenance, energy efficiency, and community engagement to ensure long-term success.
Community Development
Building stronger neighborhoods through resident engagement, community events, and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Partner With Us
Join us in creating lasting change. Whether through funding, volunteering, or advocacy, your partnership helps us build stronger communities.
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