Franklin County Supports Homeownership Through Habitat For Humanity Program

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (October 27, 2021) – The Franklin County Commissioners have extended their support of Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County with a $50,000 Housing Trust Fund allocation to assist the nonprofit’s Home Ownership Program.

With this funding, Habitat for Humanity will build a home on Ritchey Road in Fayetteville – the organization’s 50th home in Franklin County – and purchase a lot on West Queen Street, Chambersburg, for the construction of a duplex. When complete, these projects will provide housing for three families, bringing the total number of families served in Franklin County to date to 65.

Habitat for Humanity empowers local, low-income families to become self-reliant through home ownership. The Home Ownership Program allows families to partner with Habitat for Humanity to build safe, affordable houses before the families take over ownership of the home with affordable mortgages.

To be eligible for homeownership, participants must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a resident of or employed in Franklin County for a least one year;
• Reside in living conditions that can be described as sub-standard;
• Possess proof of a reliable income;
• Have a steady annual income within the limits set by HUD annually for Pennsylvania; and
• Be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide 450 hours (or 350 hours for a single individual) of “sweat equity” in the construction of the home or other approved activities

In 2020, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County provided homes to five families in Chambersburg, Fayetteville and Greencastle. This year, the organization anticipates providing homes to three families in Chambersburg and Fayetteville.

Becoming invested members of their communities instills a certain stability within individual family units. That stability has a positive trickle-down effect on certain aspects of Franklin County communities by reducing impacts on resources like human services and the judicial system. The Home Ownership program also has a financial impact on Franklin County. In 2020, Habitat for Humanity homeowners contributed more than $61,000 in taxes.

“It is remarkable to see how this Habitat for Humanity program has positively impacted our residents and our communities,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “We often see that when families invest in their futures through the Home Ownership Program, everyone benefits.”

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