Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.

Habitat for Humanity in East & Central Pasco was founded in 1994 and has built over 153 homes right here in Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Lachoochee .

How does Habitat for Humanity help families?

People in your community and all over the world partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?

Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity.

Each local Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:

• The applicant’s level of need.
• Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
• Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.

Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education.

Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners. Learn more about applying for homeownership.

Does Habitat for Humanity only build new houses?

Habitat for Humanity works in a number of different ways to create decent, affordable housing. In Pasco County in addition to new construction, Habitat also renovates existing homes that Habitat has purchased or have been donated. We currently do not complete occupied homes, as there is a program with Pasco County Community Development in place to do this. Click here to be redirected to Pasco County Community Development Homeowner Assistance Program Website.

Around the world:

• Habitat’s Disaster Response works with local communities to address a variety of housing needs after natural disasters.
• Habitat’s advocacy work raises awareness and support for decent and affordable housing around the world.
• Outside of North America, Habitat works with partner organizations to serve even more families through innovative financing methods.

How do you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity?

There are many ways to volunteer. Visit our volunteer section to learn how to:

• Volunteer locally
• Travel and build
• Volunteer long-term
• Volunteer as part of a group
• Volunteer as part of a special event

What are Habitat for Humanity affiliates?

Habitat for Humanity affiliates are local Habitat for Humanity organizations that act in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International.

Each Habitat affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area.

What kind of donations does Habitat for Humanity accept?

Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. These donations help families build a place they can call home. Visit our Donate page to learn more.

We also have a local home improvement store called Habitat ReStore, which sells reusable and surplus building materials, furniture and appliances to the public. The money made from these sales is used to help families in Pasco County build a better future. To donate materials, contact your Zephyrhills Habitat ReStore at 813-395-6994 or restore@habitatpasco.org. Click here to learn more about ReStore Donations.

For large corporations wishing to make bulk donations of goods and materials, please contact Melissa Parks at 352-567-1444 or mparks@habitatpasco.org

For vehicle donations, please visit our Cars for Homes page.

What is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore?

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build strength, stability and self-reliance locally and around the world. 

Our ReStore is located at 4700 Allen Road in Zephyrhills. Donations pickups are free and can be scheduled by calling 813-395-6994.

Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?

Habitat for Humanity International operates in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world. The international operational headquarters are located in Americus, Georgia, and international administrative headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Locally, we build in East & Central Pasco County, and our local affiliate operational headquarters is in downtown Dade City at 37220 Meridian Ave.

What is the organizational structure of Habitat for Humanity?

A volunteer board of directors oversees the work of Habitat for Humanity.

The Habitat headquarters in Dade City is operated by an administrative staff, professional and support employees, and volunteers.

How does Habitat for Humanity work with the government?

• Habitat asks legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homeownership and decent housing.
• Habitat monitors public policies related to housing, community and international development.
• Habitat advocates for policies that will increase access to decent, affordable housing available to people around the world.
• Habitat accepts government funds as long as they have no conditions that would violate our principles or limit our ability to proclaim our Christian identity.

Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?

Yes, we are a global nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. We have a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.