How it works

Edisto Habitat builds homes and sells them to qualified applicants at no profit. We do not give away homes!
​Homeowners benefit from simple, decent, affordable housing, and the community benefits from an increase in tax revenue.

​Edisto Habitat for Humanity builds new construction homes in Orangeburg County and sells them to individuals at zero to low-interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity offers a Homeownership Program to qualified low-to moderate-income individuals and families who cannot qualify for a conventional loan. Our homes are simple, decent, and affordable, and are built with volunteer labor to ensure the success of this program.

It is essential to understand that the Habitat Homeownership Program does not provide homes for free, and Habitat homes are not given away. Habitat homeowners make monthly payments just as any other homeowner would with their mortgage.
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​Working with volunteers, families, individuals, corporations, congregations, and donors, we can address this critical housing issue throughout Orangeburg County and the surrounding area. We are dedicated to making homeownership possible for these hardworking families and individuals.

Requirements to Qualify for the Homebuyer Program

1. In need of better housing

Based on current housing conditions, there must be a demonstrated need in order to qualify for a Habitat home.

2. Ability to pay

In the Homeownership Program, applicants are applying to purchase a home. Applicants must fall within 30-80% of Orangeburg County's Area Median Income (AMI), based on family size, and have a reliable source of income (employment, SSI, etc.) to pay an affordable, zero to low-interest mortgage.

3. Willingness to partner

We are not a quick fix. It can take up to two years from the time you're placed on our waiting list until your house is finished. During this time, Habitat Family Partners are expected to demonstrate their willingness to partner by earning 350-500 hours of sweat equity (volunteer hours) by building homes for Habitat Family Partners before them. Friends and family can dedicate volunteer hours to help you meet the sweat equity hours required.