Building Homes, Changing Lives
At Habitat for Humanity, we work hand-in-hand with families to create safe, affordable homes that foster hope and stability.
Habitat for Humanity builds brand new homes for qualified applicants. These homes are then sold for a 0% interest mortgage to the qualified applicants.
One of the best days is closing day!
Strength
With a little help, we all have the potential to stand on our own. No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. Every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.
Stability
Self-Reliance
Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities. A decent place to live can remove barriers to opportunity, success and health that might have been part of a family’s life for years, if not generations. Better, affordable living conditions lead to improved health, stronger childhood development, and the ability — and financial flexibility — to make forward-looking choices.
Habitat homeowners receive financial education, help build their houses and pay an affordable mortgage. A decent place to live and an affordable mortgage create a situation where homeowners can save more, invest in education, pursue opportunity and have more financial stability.
Frequently asked questions
Does Habitat Give Houses Away?
No. In our program, qualified families buy the houses that are built by them and our volunteers. Each family is required to work 250 hours of “sweat equity.” This is a combination of construction work, homeowner education classes, and volunteering with other local non-profits.
After the house is complete, it is sold to the family at no profit and mortgaged with an affordable loan.
Who Qualifies for Houses?
Approved families must be Dyer County residents who earn less than 80% of the median income for this area and are pre-qualified through a process that includes a credit check to determine income level as well as debt-to-income ratio.
Other requirements include demonstrating a need for decent housing, the ability and willingness to partner with Habitat, and the completion of sweat equity hours.
How Are You Funded?
While Habitat for Humanity of NW TN is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we operate independently. We depend on local individuals, churches, organizations, foundations, and businesses to provide funding for our building efforts.
When available, we apply for various grant funds. In addition, through our affiliation with HFHI and their partnerships with national corporations, we are able to obtain house-building products such as shingles and appliances.
How Are Families Selected?
Our Family Selection Committee reviews applicants and conducts home visits to the family’s current residence.
This committee makes recommendations to our board of directors, who have final authority to approve applications. Families are chosen without regard to cultural background, sex, disability, religion, or station in life.
How Can I Get Involved?
Whether you want to apply for a Habitat house, or you are looking for volunteer opportunities for you, your civic organization, or your church, we welcome your involvement.
Please give us a call at (731) 287-7600, or email us at office@habitatnwtn.org, and we can tell you how you can become involved in our program.
office@habitatnwtn.org
731-287-7600
© 2026. All rights reserved.
108 N. King Ave. | Dyersburg, TN 38024
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. For information on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, click here or contact your local HUD office.
