General

What is Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, VA?
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, Virginia (HFHFC) is a local nonprofit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (https://www.habitat.org/). We partner with local families, volunteers, donors, and community organizations to help ensure everyone in Franklin County has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization, but people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to partner with us as homeowners, volunteers, donors, and supporters. Habitat does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or family status.

Where does Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County operate?
HFHFC serves Franklin County, Virginia, working locally while being part of Habitat for Humanity International’s global network of over 1,500 affiliates active in all 50 states and more than 60 countries!

Homeownership

Does Habitat for Humanity give houses away?
No. Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. Habitat homeowners purchase their homes through affordable monthly mortgage payments and must contribute “sweat equity” hours on the construction of their home and through homebuyer education.

How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?
Families or individuals in need of affordable housing apply through Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County. Homebuyers are selected based on:

• Level of housing need
• Willingness to partner with Habitat (including completing sweat equity hours)
• Ability to repay an affordable mortgage

Homebuyers complete “sweat equity” by helping build their own home or the homes of others and participate in required homeowner education.

Who can apply for a Habitat home?
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is a Fair Housing organization. Applicants do not need to have children, and eligibility is not based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or familial status.

Are there restrictions on owning a Habitat home?
Yes. Habitat homes must be owner-occupied while under the Habitat mortgage. Homes cannot be rented out, left vacant, or used primarily for business purposes. Restrictions are generally removed once the mortgage is paid in full.

What happens if my income changes after purchasing a Habitat home?
An increase in income does not change your mortgage payment. If income decreases due to illness, injury, or job loss, Habitat works with homeowners to create a plan to help them remain in their homes.

How long does the homeownership process take?
The timeline varies, but applicants typically move into their homes 18–24 months after applying, depending on funding, construction schedules, and volunteer availability.

ReStore

What is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore?
Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and household items at discounted prices. Proceeds support Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County’s housing programs.

Is the ReStore open to the public?
Yes. Anyone can shop at the ReStore.

The ReStore is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

What items does the ReStore sell?
Inventory varies but often includes furniture, appliances, lighting, flooring, doors, windows, tools, and building materials. Because all inventory is donation-based, selection changes frequently.

What items can I donate to the ReStore?
The ReStore accepts new and gently used items that are clean, working, and in sellable condition. Acceptance of items depends on current inventory, safety standards, and local regulations.

Do you offer donation pickup?
Pickup availability varies based on item type and scheduling. Please visit this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoQDxZAwoDuaZuprXYhUccy1NoBGqEIhh1ImIW0BPgStXq0A/viewform or call (540) 263-8195 to schedule a donation pickup.

What is the ReStore return policy?
Items are sold as-is, and all sales are final.

How does the ReStore help the environment?
By reusing donated materials, the ReStore helps reduce waste and keeps usable items out of landfills – over 162.5 tons per year for our affiliate alone!

Volunteering

How do I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County?
All volunteers must register in advance through HFHFC’s volunteer system. Opportunities may include construction, ReStore support, events, administrative support and special projects. Please visit https://habitatfcva.org/get-involved/help-with-a-construction-project/ for information on current volunteer needs and to show your interest in volunteering with Habitat. 

Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
Habitat volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian present, and are not allowed to use power tools.

Do I need construction experience?
No experience is required. Training and supervision are provided, and all volunteers are welcome.

Are safety trainings required?
Yes. Volunteers must complete required safety training and liability waivers before volunteering.

Can groups or businesses volunteer together?
Yes. Community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses may participate in group volunteer days or team build opportunities with advance coordination. Please reach out to Bill Andrews, Construction Manager, at bill@habitatfcva.org for specific requests.

Donations & Financial Contributions

What types of donations does Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County accept?
HFHFC accepts financial donations, ReStore material donations, in-kind contributions, and other gifts that support affordable housing. Cars can be donated to Habitat through the Cars for Homes program:: https://bit.ly/37tKx5S

Can I donate online or make a recurring gift?
Yes. Online donations and recurring gifts are available here: https://habitatfcva.charityproud.org/Donate

How are donations used?
Donations support home construction, home repairs, homeowner education, volunteer coordination, and ReStore operations in Franklin County.

Is Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County financially transparent?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity follows nonprofit financial best practices and provides financial information upon request. Habitat of Franklin County conducts yearly, independent, audits and reports a public Form 990.

Advocacy & Governance

Does Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County participate in advocacy?
Yes. HFHFC supports efforts that promote access to safe, decent, and affordable housing at the local and state levels.

How is Habitat for Humanity governed?
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is governed by a local board of directors and operates as part of Habitat for Humanity International’s global network.

Contact

Who should I contact for more information?
For questions about homeownership, volunteering, ReStore donations, or financial contributions, please contact Will Dubuisson, Program Manager, by email at will@habitatfcva.org or by calling (540) 483-8884.

Mailing Address:
PO Box 834, Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Office/ReStore:
1145 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151