Frequently Asked Questions

Get to know us and the work we do on the South Shore!

  • How is South Shore Habitat for Humanity related to Habitat for Humanity International?

    South Shore Habitat is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We operate separately from Habitat International and all other affiliates, but share the HFHI vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We are proud to be doing this important work locally in our service area. 

  • How does South Shore Habitat help local families?

    South Shore Habitat works alongside thousands of volunteers and qualified families to build affordable homes for our Family Partners, both through new construction and renovation projects. New construction homes and renovations are kept affordable through donations, In-Kind Gifts, and volunteer labor. Through providing affordable homeownership, families gain stability which provides the ability to build equity, invest in education, and create lasting opportunity. 


    Through our Critical Home Repair program, we are also able to support seniors and veterans through giving them the opportunity to remain safely and securely in their home. Common critical repairs include, but are not limited to: ramps, handrails, grab bars, roof repairs, deck repairs, weatherization, window repairs, and siding repairs. 

  • Does South Shore Habitat give away homes?

    No. Our Family Partners work hard to purchase their home at an affordable price and make affordable mortgage payments. We are able to keep all costs affordable because of the generosity of our donors and the use of volunteer construction labor. Additionally, our Family Partners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside staff and volunteers to build their own homes and stay involved with the Habitat mission. 

  • What guidelines are used to select a Family Partner?

    Families in need of decent, affordable housing can apply through our program for homeownership. 


    Family Partner selection is based on a multitude of criteria, including: 

    • The applicant’s level of need. 
    • Their willingness to partner with Habitat. 
    • Evaluation of debt, income, and credit scores.
    • Ability to repay a 30-year mortgage through an affordable payment plan. 

    South Shore Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners. 


    For more information, click here

  • What towns are included in South Shore Habitat’s service area?

    Abington, Avon, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Canton, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Marshfield, Medway, Milton, Norwell, Norwood, Pembroke, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, West Bridgewater, Westwood, Weymouth, and Whitman.

  • Who can volunteer to participate in a Build Day?

    Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in a build day. No construction experience is needed, as our team will teach you everything you need to know! We offer two options: Individual build days and Corporate/Group build days


    Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Natalie Campanella at ncampanella@sshabitat.org for more information. 

  • How do I prepare for my Build Day?

    Once signed up, you will receive an email the day before your Build Day with detailed information. 


    Be prepared to work outside in all weather and temperatures. Wear close-toed shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. 

  • Do I have to be Christian to volunteer or apply for a Habitat home?

    Habitat For Humanity is a global nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. While our mission is inspired by Christian teachings, all who desire to be a part of our work are welcome — without regard to religious preference or background. At SS Habitat, we follow a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners. 

  • What kind of donations does South Shore Habitat for Humanity accept?

    Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. Your donations help us to provide families with a safe, affordable place to call home through new construction builds, renovations, and critical home repairs. Click here to donate. 


    We also accept Gifts In-Kind - donations of necessary products or services. If you are interested in making a Gift In-Kind donation, please contact Joe Sousa at jsousa@sshabitat.org


    You can also donate your stocks through a fast and simple electronic transfer. More information on our Donations page. 


    For vehicle donations, please visit our  Cars for Homes page. 


    To learn more about the different ways you can donate, click Here

  • How does my donation help?

    When you donate to South Shore Habitat for Humanity, that money stays local and goes directly towards helping families in your community. Donations offset the costs of our builds so that we can keep costs affordable for our Family Partners. 

  • How else can I support the SS Habitat mission?

    Consider donating your car to Cars for Homes. The money earned from your car will go directly towards building homes in our community. We accept cars, motorcycles, boats, and all vehicles in all conditions, regardless of functionality. 


    For more information, please visit our  Cars for Homes page. 


Have more questions? We’re here to help!