Habitat for Humanity is a long-term solution to the housing crisis that is prevalent in Eastern Connecticut.  United Way has documented through their ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained Employee) Report that in our area, 1 in 4 families struggle to afford their home, and 1 in 10 families live in poverty.  HFHECT helps families in our community who need our help the most- families who are low-income or very-low-income households, earning less than 50% of the area median income.  We partner with these families to build high-quality homes with an affordable, no-profit mortgage.

After completing an extensive application process, Habitat families agree to invest 250-350 sweat equity hours where they will build their homes alongside our paid construction supervisor and volunteer builders.  Additionally, home buyers are required to participate in a Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority first-time home buyer training program, as well as personal finance classes. In this training, our home buyers increase their financial literacy and learn about the responsibilities and expenditures associated with home ownership.  Finally, we assign each family a volunteer partner who holds them accountable for attendance at workshops, build days, and other sweat equity responsibilities. We believe that this program helps to prepare low-income families in Eastern Connecticut for successful homeownership, allowing households to build generational wealth while setting a course out of predatory lending cycles and substandard housing.

Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut has completed over 100 homes locally: changing the lives of over 100 families. These accomplishments have been made possible through the generous contributions of volunteers, financial sponsors, and partnering families who share their time, talents, and resources.