Habitat for Humanity of Durham

What Habitat for Humanity of Durham does

Habitat for Humanity of Durham is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affordable housing organization founded in 1985 by Durham Congregations in Action (24 churches) and operating exclusively in Durham County, North Carolina. Its core product is the Homeownership Program, which builds and sells single-family and attached homes at affordable prices with zero-interest mortgages to families earning 50-80% of Durham Area Median Income; qualifying families must complete sweat equity hours and 15+ hours of financial literacy training. The organization also operates a Repairs Program (launched 2010) providing critical health, safety, and accessibility repairs to existing low-income homeowners at an average project cost of approximately $10,000, and a Homeowner Services arm that served 1,514 community members in 2024, including HEIRS estate planning, financial coaching, and the Youth Build/LEGO Build youth engagement programs.

Revenue derives from four streams: charitable donations (individuals, corporations, foundations including a Foundation Society requiring $1,000+ annual gifts), zero-interest mortgage repayments from partner families, restricted and unrestricted grants (e.g., State Farm $5,000 Youth Action grant, HOPE VI funds from Durham Housing Authority, United Way), and Triangle ReStore retail sales of donated building materials. GTM is community-led: volunteer recruitment via VolunteerHub platform, themed build events (Veterans, Pride, Women's, MLK Day), faith-community outreach, signature fundraisers (Pillars of Promise Gala, Casino Night), and direct homeownership application processing through information sessions.

Technically, the organization deploys green building methods achieving three certifications (National Green Builder, Energy Star, System Vision) with proprietary features including sealed crawlspace technology, half-inch rigid foam exterior wall insulation (R15 fiberglass interior), comprehensive air sealing, and independent third-party energy testing that delivers homes heated and cooled for under $1/day. FY2024 financial position shows total net assets of $19.88M (including $6.02M liquid, $5.61M diversified investments, $2.51M board-designated reserve), with no draws on a $1.5M line of credit; cumulative production since 1985 totals nearly 500 homes built in Durham plus 200+ internationally through Habitat International.

Name

Habitat for Humanity of Durham

Legal name

Habitat for Humanity of Durham

Website

https://durhamhabitat.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Habitat for Humanity of Durham is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1985 that builds and sells affordable energy-efficient homes to low-income families (50-80% AMI) and provides critical home repairs in Durham County, NC, supported by volunteer labor, donations, grants, and ReStore retail revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing Services

NAICS

New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117), Residential Building Construction (2361)

SIC

Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Affordable housing construction
• Homeownership programs
• Home repair services
• Nonprofit housing development
• Green building construction

Headquarters

HQ city

Durham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization relies heavily on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donors contribute funds for home construction materials, land purchases, and program operations. The Foundation Society requires at least $1,000 annual contributions from members.
2. Home Sales to Partner Families: Homes are sold to qualifying low-income families at affordable prices with zero-interest mortgages. Families must complete sweat equity requirements and homeownership education.
3. Grant Funding: Receives grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Examples include State Farm Youth Action grants ($5,000), HOPE VI funds from Durham Housing Authority, and United Way grants.
4. ReStore Revenue: Triangle ReStore accepts donations of used and new building materials and sells them to the public, with proceeds supporting Habitat's mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Habitat for Humanity of Durham builds and sells affordable homes to qualifying low-income families earning 50-80% of Durham's Area Median Income, using zero-interest mortgages and volunteer-supported construction. The organization also repairs existing homes for low-income homeowners to address health and safety needs, supplemented by financial literacy, homeownership education, and estate planning services.

Product overview

Habitat for Humanity of Durham is a nonprofit affordable housing organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on homeownership. The core offerings include the Homeownership Program (building and selling affordable homes with financial literacy training) and the Repairs Program (critical home repairs for low-income homeowners). Supporting programs include Homeowner Services, Youth Build Program, LEGO Build Program, Jr. Homebuyers Club, Volunteer Opportunities, Group Volunteering with themed builds (Veterans, Pride, Women's), Home Sponsorship, HEIRS Estate Program, Ways to Give donation options, ReStore thrift operations, and campaign initiatives like the 400for40 Campaign. The organization also develops housing communities including Wynn Oaks (40 townhomes), Carter Row, Mount Vernon Community, and Building Blocks (37 homes with Durham Housing Authority).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Homeownership Program Builds and sells affordable homes in Durham County to qualifying low-income families (50-80% of Area Median Income) through zero-interest mortgages. Includes 15+ hours of required in-person financial literacy and homeownership education, sweat equity requirements, and access to additional counseling services. For families unable to access traditional market-rate housing.
• Repairs Program Provides critical home repairs (roof replacement, water damage repair, accessibility modifications, weatherization) to existing low-income Durham homeowners at an average cost of approximately $10,000 per project. Helps families stay in their homes and addresses health and safety issues.
• HEIRS Estate Program Estate planning education and free will preparation for Habitat homeowners, helping families protect home equity wealth and plan for generational wealth transfer. Funded by Truist Bank sponsorship and delivered in partnership with The Drake Firm.
• Triangle ReStore Accepts donations of new and used building materials, furniture, and home goods and sells them to the public at discount prices through trianglerestores.org. Proceeds support Habitat's affordable housing mission.
• Home Sponsorship Program Corporate and individual sponsorship program where partners help purchase building materials and provide volunteer labor for new homes and home repairs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 500 homes built since 1985
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and minor.

• Rotary Club of DurhamsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2025Provided $7,000 financial gift and hands-on volunteer labor for Veterans Build Week. Partnership reflects organization's 'Service Above Self' ethos and commitment to supporting veterans.
• Spotlight RealtysupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 November 2025Hosted Casino Night 2025 fundraiser benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Durham. Event raised critical funds for affordable housing work.
• MM&J LawsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 November 2025Presented Casino Night 2025 fundraiser benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Durham.
• Vincent Boone (State Farm)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 August 2024Educated homeowners on importance of proper insurance through Heirs Program estate planning workshops.
• Steven Drake (The Drake Firm)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 August 2024Educated homeowners on securing assets and estate planning through Heirs Program workshops.
• Mount Vernon Baptist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 August 2024Church sold 2.5+ acres of land to Habitat for construction of 10 affordable homes in Durham's historically significant Hayti district. Partnership represents innovative land use opportunity for faith communities to support affordable homeownership.
• Kramden InstitutesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 May 2024Community Day partner providing resources for homeownership education and financial literacy at community event.
• Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 May 2024Community Day partner providing financial counseling and education resources for prospective homeowners.
• Durham County Tax AdministrationsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 May 2024Community Day partner providing information about property tax services for homeowners.
• Rebuilding Together of the TrianglesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2024Community Day partner providing home repair resources and services information.
• State Farm InsurancesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 May 2024Community Day partner providing insurance information for homeowners. Also provided estate planning workshops through Heirs Program.
• The Drake FirmsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 May 2024Provided estate planning education workshops for Habitat homeowners through Heirs Program, covering topics including proper insurance and securing assets.
• Garman HomescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Partner builder in 2023 Builders Blitz, constructing two 1,200-sq-ft homes in 7 days for approximately $170,000 each. Company uses 'personal favor' pricing from subcontractors and has a 'Give It Back' fund supporting charitable builds.
• J. Hoffman StudiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Partner builder in 2023 Builders Blitz event that constructed two homes in one week. Contributed design and construction expertise for affordable home development.
• Durham Housing AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2023Strategic partnership to revitalize former Few Gardens public housing site through Building Blocks initiative. DHA provided HOPE VI funds for land subdivision and infrastructure; Habitat built homes and provided homeownership counseling and mortgage assistance. Resulted in 37 new affordable homes and 150+ residents housed.
• Self Help Credit UnionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSold land to Durham Habitat for construction of two single-family homes on Kent Street in Durham's West End neighborhood.
• Chamber Orchestra of the TriangleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on Habitat website, indicating financial or promotional support.
• Duke HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on Habitat website, indicating financial or promotional support.
• Duke University (Duke Community Affairs)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNamed community partner. Phail Wynn Jr., former Duke Community Affairs VP, honored through Wynn Oaks development naming.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Direct peers

• Reinvestment Partners: Durham-based nonprofit focused on affordable housing, community development lending, and food access across North Carolina. Operates in the same Durham affordable housing ecosystem with overlapping funder networks and complementary mission focus on community resilience.
• Habitat for Humanity of Wake County: Sister Habitat affiliate serving Wake County in North Carolina's Research Triangle. Operates the same zero-interest-mortgage affordable homeownership model, ReStore retail operations, and volunteer-driven construction approach, making it the most directly comparable peer affiliate.
• Self-Help Credit Union: Durham-headquartered CDFI that finances affordable homeownership and small business lending in underserved North Carolina markets. Self-Help has directly sold land to Durham Habitat for affordable homes (Kent Street project), making it both a partner and a structural peer in Durham's affordable housing ecosystem.
• Durham Housing Authority: Public housing authority serving Durham. Co-developed the Building Blocks initiative with Durham Habitat (37 homes, HOPE VI funding) and provides public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and affordable housing programs — a direct operational peer in addressing Durham's affordable housing crisis.
• Rebuilding Together of the Triangle: Nonprofit providing critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners in the Research Triangle. Closely comparable to Durham Habitat's Repairs Program (51 projects in 2024) and a partner on Community Day, making it the most direct peer in the home repair mission.
• Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County: Another North Carolina Habitat affiliate serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Operates the same zero-interest-mortgage affordable homeownership, volunteer construction, and ReStore retail model, making it a directly comparable peer chapter for benchmarking operating efficiency and unit delivery.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity International: The global parent organization and umbrella affiliate of all local Habitat chapters. Durham Habitat operates as a 501(c)(3) affiliate under HFHI's brand, governance frameworks, and global mission, making it the closest institutional peer despite operating at a fundamentally different scale.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit that develops and preserves affordable housing nationwide, including in the Research Triangle. Comparable mission and product (affordable homeownership) but operates at much larger scale across multiple states, providing capital, policy advocacy, and development expertise.
• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): National CDFI that finances affordable housing and community development across the U.S., with active Triangle NC programming. Comparable mission in affordable housing preservation and production, but at a much broader geographic and capital scale than a single Habitat affiliate.

Emerging players

• Community Empowerment Fund: Chapel Hill-based nonprofit supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing instability through supported employment and lending circles in the Triangle. Operates in the same affordable housing ecosystem with complementary services for populations adjacent to Habitat's partner families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DurhamHabitat
• Facebookfacebook.com/durhamhabitat
• Instagraminstagram.com/durhamhabitat
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/durhamhabitat

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Habitat for Humanity of Durham