When a family partners with Habitat for Humanity, they don’t simply receive a house. They build it — with their own time, effort, and heart. That investment is what we call sweat equity, and it’s one of the most unique and meaningful parts of the Habitat model.

Sweat equity goes far beyond a simple requirement. It is a cornerstone of Habitat’s mission, helping families develop pride in homeownership, learn new skills, and build lasting connections with their community. But what does sweat equity really mean, and how does it work here at Northwoods Habitat for Humanity?

The Purpose of Sweat Equity
The idea behind sweat equity is simple: by working alongside volunteers, staff, and even other partner families, future homeowners develop a deep sense of ownership in their home and appreciation for the process.
Habitat for Humanity International outlines three main purposes for sweat equity:

• Partnership: Families work shoulder to shoulder with volunteers, staff, and neighbors, building relationships and community.
• Pride: When a homeowner has literally put their hands into the walls of their home, they move in with a greater sense of pride and responsibility.
• Skill Development: Families learn about construction, home maintenance, budgeting, and homeowner responsibilities — skills that serve them for life.

As one Habitat family put it:
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“We did what was asked from us and started working vigorously our sweat equity hours… The very long hours between working on sweat equity and working almost 70-hour weeks, all in addition to building a house of our own, was a lot to manage. But you literally have nothing to lose — and everything to gain.”

How Many Hours Are Required?
Every Habitat affiliate sets its own sweat equity policy, but HFHI requires a minimum of 200 hours per household, including at least 100 hours spent directly on construction. Affiliates may require more depending on their program.

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we require each adult in the household to complete 300 hours of sweat equity before they can move into their home.

It’s a big commitment, but it is achievable — and life-changing.

Different Ways to Earn Sweat Equity
​Sweat equity doesn’t just happen on the construction site. We recognize that not every homeowner has the same abilities, schedules, or circumstances, so we provide multiple ways to contribute.
Partner families earn sweat equity hours through:

• Construction work on their own home and on the homes of other partner families.
• ReStore shifts, such as stocking shelves, organizing donations, and helping customers.
• Administrative tasks, like preparing mailings or helping in the Habitat office.
• Homeowner education classes, where families learn about budgeting, home maintenance, and financial management.
• Community outreach and events, supporting Habitat’s mission in public ways.
• Family and friends hours: Each family can enlist relatives or friends to contribute up to 50 hours toward their requirement.

This flexibility ensures that everyone can participate, regardless of physical limitations or work schedules, while still keeping the spirit of partnership alive.

Sweat Equity in Action: Our Current Families
Right now in Bemidji, our two partner families — Jozlynn and Jamethin, and Rachel — are putting sweat equity into action every week.

• Both families have logged significant hours at the ReStore, helping to keep the store running smoothly and supporting Habitat’s mission in the process.
• They’ve also completed hours through administrative tasks, like preparing mailings and office support.
• Most importantly, they’ve spent many hours building their own homes and each other’s homes. One powerful moment came when Rachel spent the day working on Jozlynn’s house — a beautiful reminder that Habitat is truly about families helping families.

These moments show the heart of sweat equity: it’s not just about earning hours, it’s about building relationships, working together, and investing in a stronger community.

The Challenge and the Reward
Sweat equity is not easy. Families often balance the requirement alongside full-time jobs, raising children, and other responsibilities. Some even take vacation days to put in hours on their homes.

As one future Habitat homeowner said:
“It’s a privilege to see your house going up.”

Another reflected:
“It’s the best feeling in the world!”

It’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. When dedication day arrives and families receive the keys to their home, they know they’ve truly earned it. They’ve put their sweat, energy, and love into the walls around them.

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, volunteers are the foundation of everything we build. While Habitat must purchase building materials, pay for permits, hire subcontractors for specialized work, and employ a skilled construction manager to oversee projects, it is our volunteers who put in the bulk of the hours that make affordable housing possible.
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On average, volunteers contribute 2,500 hours of service to each home we build. They are on site nearly every weekday from 9 a.m. until late afternoon, moving a project forward through every phase of construction. Some come nearly every day, while others join us when their schedules allow. The work is steady, hands-on, and requires commitment—but it’s also deeply rewarding.

Who Are Our Volunteers?

Our construction volunteers range from 16 to over 80 years old. Many are retirees who now use their days to give back, while others balance volunteering with work or studies. Some have backgrounds in construction, but many have built their skills by working alongside Habitat over the years. We’ve had former teachers, administrators, and countless others who learned to frame walls, hang doors, and install siding simply by showing up and being willing to help.

This past year, we were especially grateful for Henry, an intern from Bemidji State University, whose youthful strength and positive spirit were a huge help on site. Whether young or old, seasoned or brand new, our volunteers share a common trait: they are careful, meticulous, and committed to building homes that are strong, safe, and lasting.

Groups That Build Together​

In addition to individuals, we welcome groups who spend a half or full day serving together. These teams bring energy and momentum that can speed up projects significantly. So far this year, we’ve had teams from First National Bank Bemidji, Walmart, and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Coming soon, we’ll be welcoming the Bemidji Noon Rotary Club, AirCorps Aviation, and Affinity Plus.

Group volunteers not only accelerate the work—they also strengthen community connections and bring joy to our long-term volunteers who love meeting new people on the build site.

The Impact in Dollars and Beyond

The financial value of our volunteers’ work is incredible. By our conservative estimate, the hours put in by volunteers are worth at least $75,000 per home. But the true value goes far beyond dollars. Volunteers build relationships, create memories, and strengthen the very community they are helping to house.

How You Can Help​

Volunteering on the construction site isn’t the only way to support Habitat. We also welcome people who provide meals for our hardworking crews. A hot dish, a sack lunch, or even a tray of sandwiches from a local restaurant makes a big difference to those spending long days on site. And of course, your prayers mean the world to us—prayers for safety, provision, and relationship building as we continue this important work.

If you’ve ever thought about swinging a hammer, learning new skills, or simply lending a hand, we’d love to have you join us.
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👉 Get started by filling out our volunteer application here: https://wkf.ms/3H3uQG2
📞 Call us at: 218-751-4649
🏠 Stop by our office at: 1357 Exchange Ave SE, Bemidji

Together, we can keep building homes—and hope—for families in our community.

Have you ever driven past a Habitat for Humanity build site and wondered what it really takes to turn a bare lot into a home filled with love and laughter?

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, building a house is more than hammering nails. It’s a carefully orchestrated process that blends professional expertise, community spirit, and the dedication of our partner families.

Step 1: Planning & Preparation
Before the first shovel of dirt is turned, our team works behind the scenes to secure permits, finalize the home’s design, and schedule subcontractors. Our Executive Director and Construction Manager coordinates the entire process from start to finish, ensuring every step meets code and quality standards.

We also line up volunteers — both individuals and groups — who will contribute to the build. On average, it takes 2,500 volunteer hours and about 4–6 months to complete a Habitat home.

Beltrami County’s housing market is under pressure. In 2023, the median property value stood at $222,300, a nearly 9% increase from the previous year, even while homeownership rates held steady at around 69.5% (U.S. News+13Data USA+13Bemidji Pioneer+13). Housing costs remain a real burden: roughly 15.7% of residents experienced severe housing problems, such as cost burden or overcrowding (Bemidji Pioneer+2Data USA+2Data USA+2).

Meanwhile, median household income is just $67,257, meaning housing costs absorb a significant portion of local earnings (Census.gov+2Data USA+2Data USA+2). Monthly owner costs with a mortgage average $1,542, while those without a mortgage still pay around $570 for upkeep and taxes. Renters face an average gross rent of $991/month (Census.gov).

📈 Market Trends & Inventory Challenges
Local real estate data shows that the median sale price in April 2025 reached $285,000, up 5.1% year-over-year, with homes selling in under 50 days on average (Zillow+3Redfin+3Realtor+3). Zillow data places the average home value at approximately $258,256, reflecting a 3.9% increase over the last year (Zillow).

But numbers only tell part of the story. A recent Bemidji Pioneer article highlights a stark housing divide: lakefront properties command top dollar, while non-waterfront homes face tight inventory and are increasingly unaffordable for average families—especially first-time buyers under income stress (Bemidji Pioneer+1Reddit+1).

With new housing permits limited—and construction costs continuing to rise—many working families in Beltrami County find themselves priced out of both new builds and the resale market (en.wikipedia.org+9City-Data+9Bemidji Pioneer+9).

💬 “We literally had nothing to lose—and everything to gain.”
One Habitat homeowner, part of our community since their application in 2005, shared:

“We tried the traditional route, but our lack of credit and inability to afford a down payment made a home loan almost impossible… we would’ve had to save for over 10 years.”

After applying to Habitat while expecting their first child, they worked tirelessly—even during near 70-hour workweeks—fitting sweat equity hours into life’s daily pressures, all while building their dream home and another Habitat build in the same year.

They reflect gratefully on the staff who helped them push through challenges:

“Despite staff changes and obstacles, Geri Hickerson and Doug Roberts kept the ball rolling during those critical months.”

🛠️ A Foundation for More Than a Home
​Once in their Habitat home, the ripple effects were profound:

“We finally had a reliable vehicle; my wife could go back to school to chase a dream; we started paying off bills we could never afford before. It gave us stability so we could dream again.”

Before Habitat, they didn’t fully grasp the local housing crisis:

“I thought housing was just debt for life. But I now see how many people have the will but not the means.”

🌱 Why Habitat Still Matters
Even with home values below the national average, Beltrami County’s residents face a persistent affordability gap. Many families supporting themselves via modest incomes—often around $60K—can’t qualify for traditional financing, especially with rising home prices and limited inventory.

Habitat helps bridge that gap—building affordable, energy-efficient homes that provide a springboard for financial stability and personal growth.

💡 Get Involved—Change Lives, Including Your Own 
Volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word—help unlock brighter futures for hardworking families in our community.

“If you have dreams but don’t know how to get there, Habitat offers the stability to chase them. You literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Visit habitatbemidji.org or call us at (218) 751‑4649 to learn how you can be part of the solution.

For Jozlynn and Jamethin, Habitat for Humanity isn’t just a program—it’s a part of their family’s legacy. Their journey to becoming homeowners is one of resilience, deep roots, and hope for a brighter future. And although the walls of their new home are still going up, the story behind them is already rich with purpose.

In February 2024, Jozlynn and Jamethin applied to become Habitat homeowners. They were officially accepted into the program just two months later, in April. Seven months after that, they welcomed their second child, Oliver, who was born on Thanksgiving Day. The months leading up to his birth were difficult, with complications in the pregnancy forcing Jozlynn to pause her volunteer hours. But as soon as she was able, she jumped right back in, continuing her commitment to building a better future for her family.

By April 2024, they were officially accepted into the program, joining a path already familiar to Jozlynn. Her connection to Habitat began long before she submitted her application. Her grandmother has served as the Executive Director of Northwoods Habitat for Humanity since Jozlynn was just three years old. “I never really ‘learned about Habitat,’” she told us. “It’s always just sort of been a part of my life.”

When Jozlynn was twelve, her mother was approved for a Habitat home after years of instability—moving 24 times and living in unsafe conditions. That experience left a lasting impact. “It felt pretty amazing to have a place we could call ‘home’ for the first time,” she shared. Now, years later, Jozlynn is creating the same opportunity for her own children—Braxton and Oliver.
Currently, the family rents a small house that is in such poor condition it is scheduled for demolition once they move out. It’s simply not suitable for a growing family. Their dream is to move into a safe, stable, and affordable home on 19th Street NW in Bemidji—a street already home to several other Habitat families.

They’re not just waiting for that dream to come true—they’re working for it. Since being accepted into the program, Jozlynn and Jamethin have poured their energy into completing their “sweat equity” hours. You’ll find them helping at the ReStore, handling administrative tasks, mowing lawns on Habitat-owned lots, and helping build their own home alongside staff, volunteers, and subcontractors. Construction began in late May and is expected to wrap up this fall.

For Jozlynn, the motivation is clear. “To waste thousands of dollars a year on renting is crazy to me,” she said. “Becoming a Habitat homeowner, I am most looking forward to having a bedroom and living room again, a clean and safe living space, and a yard I can play with my animals and kids in.” She’s even taken her commitment one step further—recently becoming the ReStore Manager so she can be more involved, and expressing her hope to one day mentor other future Habitat families.

Of course, balancing full-time work, parenting, and volunteer hours isn’t easy. “The hardest part is probably juggling it all,” she said. “But to buy an affordable house in the end—it’s worth it!”

Their expectations for their new home are simple and deeply meaningful: a safe neighborhood, enough space for the boys to have their own rooms, closets (a must!), and a yard where their family can play and grow together. As Jozlynn put it, “The list is endless.”

Once construction is complete, Habitat will hold a home dedication ceremony to celebrate alongside their family and the many supporters who made this dream possible. From there, Jozlynn and Jamethin will begin paying an affordable, zero-interest mortgage to Habitat—and truly begin their next chapter.

We’re proud to walk alongside them in this journey, and we hope their story inspires others. If you—or someone you know—are dreaming of a safe, stable, affordable place to call home, we invite you to learn more about how Habitat can help. Visit habitatbemidji.org/homeownership to find out how to apply.

At Northwoods Habitat, we’re not just building homes. We’re building opportunity, dignity, and lasting change—one family at a time.

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to call home—and not just because shelter is a basic human need. Homeownership is a foundation for strength, stability, and self-reliance. It’s a powerful way to transform lives, families, and even entire communities.
But what makes owning a home so important? Let’s take a closer look at the long-lasting benefits of homeownership and why it’s worth working toward.

1. Building Equity Instead of Paying Rent
When you rent, your monthly payment disappears into someone else’s pocket. But when you own a home, every mortgage payment builds equity—meaning you are investing in your own future. Over time, your home becomes a financial asset that can provide long-term stability and wealth. This is especially important for families looking to break cycles of poverty or create opportunities for future generations.

Equity can also act as a safety net. As the value of your home increases, you build financial security that renters often lack. That security can support future education costs, retirement, or other dreams.

2. Creating Stability for You and Your Family
Homeownership offers something that renting rarely does: stability. Instead of facing rising rents or the possibility of a landlord selling the property, homeowners have more control over their living situation. Children who grow up in stable homes tend to do better in school and experience fewer behavioral problems. Adults feel less stress and more rooted in their community.

It’s about more than a house—it’s about a safe, reliable place to come home to every day.

3. Learning Skills and Building Character
Becoming a homeowner is a learning journey. You begin to understand how your home works—from managing a budget to tackling basic maintenance and repairs. These life skills build confidence and self-sufficiency.

Habitat homeowners often talk about the pride they feel when they take care of their home—mowing the lawn, fixing a leaky faucet, or planting a garden. These tasks may seem small, but they foster responsibility, problem-solving, and a strong sense of ownership.

4. Becoming Part of Something Bigger
When you own a home, you're not just investing in yourself—you’re investing in your community. Homeowners are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in neighborhood activities. You get to know your neighbors. You care about the schools, parks, and local businesses. In this way, homeownership strengthens the fabric of our community.

At Habitat for Humanity, we also know that the journey to homeownership builds lasting relationships. From volunteer teams to mentors to sweat equity hours, you become part of a supportive network cheering you on.

Homeownership is About More Than a House
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It’s about hope, dignity, and the chance to build a better future. That’s why we’re committed to helping individuals and families in Bemidji and beyond become homeowners—not just for today, but for generations to come.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own home, we invite you to explore the possibility. Habitat homes are simple, decent, and affordable—and they come with a whole community of support.

Learn more and start your application process here: https://www.habitatbemidji.org/home-buyers.html

Becoming a homeowner through Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is a life-changing journey—one filled with support, education, and partnership every step of the way. If you've recently been selected to partner with us, congratulations! You're about to begin a meaningful process that leads not only to a house, but to a place you can truly call home.

Here’s what you can expect after you’re selected as a Habitat homebuyer:

Phase 1: Welcome and Orientation
Once you're selected, a Habitat staff member or a member of our Family Selection Committee will reach out with the exciting news. You’ll receive a formal approval letter, and we’ll assign you a mentor—someone who has been through the process before and will guide and support you throughout your journey.

Early in the process, you’ll:

• Meet with Habitat representatives to review the Homeowner Manual and go over a Letter of Intent, which outlines the expectations of the partnership.
• Sign the Letter of Intent to officially begin your path to homeownership.

Phase 2: Education and Planning

Your mentor will help you begin homebuyer education and financial fitness coursework, key components in preparing you for sustainable homeownership.
You’ll also:

• Create a plan and timeline to complete 300 required sweat equity hours—volunteer service time contributed by the adults in your household.
• Begin working toward an important milestone: 125 sweat equity hours, which must be completed before home construction begins.

Phase 3: Building Your Future Home

Once your initial 125 hours are complete, things really start to take shape:

• You’ll meet with our construction manager to select a lot and discuss the basic design of your home.
• A groundbreaking ceremony will be scheduled to celebrate the beginning of the build.
• With help from your mentor, you’ll start choosing details like cabinets, flooring, siding, and landscaping—custom touches that will make your house feel like home.

Throughout construction, you'll continue logging sweat equity hours and helping on-site as you’re able, alongside our experienced volunteers.

Phase 4: Preparing for Homeownership
As your home nears completion:

• You’ll wrap up your homebuyer and financial education coursework.
• Begin shopping for home insurance.
• Your mentor will help you review the expenses and responsibilities that come with homeownership.
• You’ll meet with Habitat staff and committee or Board members to go over mortgage documents and learn about our ACH payment process.

When sweat equity requirements are complete and your home is almost finished:

• A purchase agreement is signed.
• We’ll order a home appraisal and you’ll begin the mortgage loan application process.
• A closing date will be scheduled with an attorney.

Phase 5: Celebrating Homeownership
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Before your home is officially yours, we’ll host a Home Dedication Ceremony—a time to celebrate your hard work and bless your new home with love and community support.

Finally, at the closing, you’ll sign your documents, receive your keys, and step into your new future as a Habitat homeowner.

The entire process—from selection to moving in—can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on a variety of factors. On average, most families move into their homes within about one year.

At Northwoods Habitat, we believe in walking alongside our partner families from start to finish. You’re not in this alone—we’re here to support you, guide you, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Welcome to the Habitat family. Your journey home starts now.

Partnering with Northwoods Habitat for Humanity for Safe, Affordable Housing

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. We partner with individuals and families in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties to build homes, community, and hope.

If you or someone you know is living in inadequate housing and looking for a long-term solution, you may be eligible to become a Habitat homeowner. Here's a step-by-step look at what it takes to apply and begin your journey toward homeownership with Habitat for Humanity.

Step 1: Understand Our Mission
Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. Instead, we work in partnership with qualified applicants to build or renovate simple, decent homes that are sold to families at an affordable cost. Homebuyers repay an affordable mortgage, contribute sweat equity hours, and commit to being active partners throughout the process.

Step 2: Determine if You Meet the Qualification Criteria
We consider three key areas when reviewing applications:
1. Housing Need - You may qualify if your current living situation is:

• Sub-standard, overcrowded, or unsafe
• A financial burden (i.e., you pay more than 30% of your income on housing)
• Inadequate for the physical needs of your family members
• Temporary or subsidized
• Unavailable through conventional financing

2. Ability to Pay - We want to ensure you’ll be successful in homeownership. To qualify:

• Your income must fall between 50% and 80% of HUD’s Section 8 income limits for Beltrami County
• You must have verifiable income that is adequate to cover all living and mortgage expenses
• Your debt-to-income ratio must be reasonable
• You must have an acceptable credit history

3. Willingness to Partner - Each adult in the household must:

• Contribute 300 hours of sweat equity
• Complete the Home Stretch Program before purchase
• Participate actively with Habitat staff, volunteers, and community members
• Agree to maintain the home and property (inside and out)
• Submit annual income documentation (including tax returns)
• Pay monthly mortgage payments in full and on time
• Be a positive ambassador for Habitat for Humanity in the community

Step 3: Submit an Application
If you believe you meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply!
Applications are available for download on our website at
👉 habitatbemidji.org/home-buyers.html
or can be picked up in person at:
📍1357 Exchange Ave SE, Bemidji, MN 56601

Step 4: Prepare Your Application Materials
Your application packet should include:

• A cover letter explaining your current situation and why you are applying
• A completed income and debt worksheet
• Completed application forms (household info, housing conditions, employment, etc.)
• Three letters of support
• Most recent federal tax return
• Three months of pay stubs
• Original Social Security award letter (if applicable)
• Copy of your driver’s license or state ID
• A home loan denial letter from a traditional lender
• Signed Borrower’s Certification and Authorization
• Data Privacy Notice and ECOA Notice

We know this process can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone! Our staff is happy to assist with gathering paperwork or walking through the steps. Call us at 218-751-4649 to schedule an appointment for help.

Step 5: Review and Home Visit
After we receive your completed application:

1. Our staff verifies housing conditions, income, employment, and other documentation.
2. Your application is then forwarded to our Family Selection Committee, made up of community members and Habitat homeowners who have walked this path before.
3. The committee will schedule a home visit to better understand your current living situation and your need for safe, affordable housing.
4. Based on their review, the committee makes a recommendation to our Board of Directors, who will make the final decision on acceptance into the program.

Step 6: Begin Your Journey
If selected, you’ll be welcomed into the Habitat program and begin the exciting journey toward building your future home—alongside volunteers, community members, and staff who are cheering you on every step of the way.

In a future blog post, we’ll dive into what happens after you're accepted—what the build process looks like, how sweat equity hours are earned, and how homeownership becomes a reality.
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Until then, if you think Habitat might be a good fit for you or someone you know, don’t wait. Reach out. Apply. We’re here to help you build a better future.

🛠️ Questions?
Call us at 218-751-4649 or visit www.habitatbemidji.org
Together, we build more than houses—we build hope.

Are you dreaming of owning your first home but unsure how to begin? At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. If you're a first-time homebuyer or currently struggling with high rent, becoming a Habitat homeowner could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

A Truly Affordable Path to Homeownership
One of the biggest challenges facing low-income families is the cost of housing. With rent prices constantly rising, many families find themselves spending far more than they can afford just to keep a roof over their heads.
At Northwoods Habitat, we’re changing that. When you purchase a Habitat home, you will never pay more than 30% of your income on housing — and that includes your mortgage, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. Our mission is to make affordable housing a reality for families right here in Bemidji and the surrounding area.

Invest in Your Future, Not Your Landlord’s
Every rent check you write goes into someone else’s pocket. But with a Habitat home, every payment you make is an investment in yourself and your future. You're building equity, stability, and a foundation for generations to come.

We’ll Guide You Every Step of the Way
We understand that the application process can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Our team is here to walk with you from the very beginning, helping you complete your application, understand your eligibility, and even improve your credit score if needed. This isn’t just a program — it’s a partnership.

Support From Someone Who’s Been There
If you're approved to purchase a Habitat home, we’ll match you with a homeowner mentor — someone who has already been through the process and can answer your questions, offer encouragement, and share their experience. You're joining a community that truly cares.

Simple, Decent, and Energy-Efficient Homes
Habitat homes aren’t extravagant — and that’s by design. We build simple, decent, and extremely energy-efficient homes that are affordable to maintain and built to last. That means lower utility bills and more financial breathing room for your family.

Skills That Last a Lifetime
Throughout the process, you’ll gain valuable knowledge in home maintenance, budgeting, and personal finance. These are real-world skills that will benefit you for years to come — whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or planning for the future.

You’re Not Just Buying a House — You’re Joining a Family
Habitat isn’t just about bricks and boards. It’s about building community. When you partner with Northwoods Habitat, you become part of a mission-driven organization rooted in trust, compassion, and hope. You become part of the Habitat family.

Are you ready to explore the path to homeownership?
Visit our Homeownership Page to learn more about our process and how to apply. Let us help you turn the dream of owning an affordable home into a reality.