Our VISION
A world where everyone has
a decent place to live
At our core, we believe that everyone should feel safe and secure in a home that meets their basic needs. Everything we do at Habitat for Humanity of Island County we do with this vision in mind.
Donate
Volunteer
Events
Sponsorship
Shop & Donate ~ Two Locations!
Retail with a purpose. Schedule a donation pickup from your home or business or drop of donations at our store locations in Freeland & Oak Harbor. Every donation, sale, and volunteer hour brings a family one step closer to safety and security of owning their own home. Click to learn more.
Shop Online
Find something you love, and make a difference while you’re at it. Our online store offers unique, quality items delivery on Whidbey Island and Anacortes for $95, please note that delivery is to the first floor only, and customers are responsible for any shipping costs. Every purchase directly supports local families building brighter futures.
Together, we build a better future
Strong foundations start with a home
A Habitat Home is a strong foundation for a family, an opportunity on which they can build a better life. Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.
Stability starts with a home
A Habitat home is a stabilizing force for a family. Better, affordable living conditions lead to improved health, stronger childhood development, and the ability and financial flexibility to make better choices.
A prosperous future starts with a home
Habitat homeowners receive financial education, help build their homes, and pay a mortgage. Habitat helps families help themselves.
Healthy communities start with a home
Habitat for Humanity of Island County empowers families to believe in themselves and strive to reach their full potential.
Our Sponsors
Together, We Build Opportunity
Eleven homes are currently in some stage of planning, pre-construction, or construction. Your support now will help ensure we have all the materials we need!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habitat for Humanity?
We are a nonprofit housing organization. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We work toward our vison by partnering with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.
How does Habitat help families?
People and families in Island County partner with Island County Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?
Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply to join the homeownership program. The family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:
- The applicant’s level of need.
- Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
- Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education.
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Habitat for Humanity of Island County does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or national origin.
How do we keep Habitat homes affordable?
Island County Habitat homes are designed to remain affordable for generations to come.
- Land Trust – Island County Habitat retains ownership of the land through its Habitat Land Trust, a community land trust model. Homebuyers purchase the home itself, not the land beneath it. This helps keep the home purchase price and monthly mortgage payments lower. Each homeowner signs a 99-year renewable ground lease.
- Affordable Mortgage – Island County Habitat assists homebuyers to acquire an affordable mortgage along with a fixed resale formula ensuring equity appreciation. If the home is sold in the future, Island County Habitat will repurchase the home, remodel it as needed, and resell it to a new income qualified buyer.
- Volunteer Driven Model – Island County Habitat incorporates donated labor and materials whenever possible, alongside licensed and bonded contractors to ensure quality, safe construction.
This approach benefits both homeowners and the broader Island County community. Island County Habitat homebuyers build wealth while living in a safe, attractive, well-built home with affordable mortgage payments, and the community can count on these homes remaining affordable for future generations.
Does the homebuyer applicant have to live in Island County?
In order to purchase a home through Habitat for Humanity of Island County the applicant must live or work in Island County for at least one year. There are Habitat affiliates throughout Washington State and the entire U.S. People should apply in the county in which they reside.
Does Habitat for Humanity only build new houses?
Island County Habitat builds new houses and also performs repairs for income-qualified homeowners. The repairs must be necessary for the health and safety of the homeowner, who must reside in the home. Similar to the homeownership program, homeowners provide sweat equity and also pay back a portion of the repair costs based on ability to pay.
Do I need to have construction experience to volunteer on a build?
Anyone willing and able can volunteer on a Habitat build. We provide all the training you need to have success when you volunteer. All tools and safely equipment is provided. Of course, folks who do have experience are also welcome to volunteer.
How do you volunteer with Habitat for Humanity?
We always need volunteers in our stores and on our build sites. The best way to get started is by visiting the volunteer page on our website.