Lasting Affordability
We adopted a new model to keep housing affordable for the long-term benefit of our community. In addition to ensuring the homes we are building remain affordable for additional low-income families for years to come, we are initiating a new program to help Habitat families beyond their move-in date, supporting them in becoming successful homeowners and building generational wealth.
Building homes. Creating hope. Transforming lives.
Since 1989, the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity has been committed to building safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in need.
Right now, we’re working on 11 new homes for first-time low-income homeowners: seven in Williamsport and four in South Williamsport. This will bring the total to 59 homes completed by Habitat in Lycoming County with six more in the planning stages.
However, rising construction costs driven by inflation have significantly increased our expenses. The cost to build each home far exceeds current market rates, making community support more critical than ever.
Introducing our new approach: Path to Homeownership (PHP)
To meet the growing demand for affordable housing and to maximize the impact of every donated dollar, we’re launching our Path to Homeownership (PHP) program, a long-term strategy that goes beyond building houses.
This new initiative is centered on Shared Equity Housing (SEH), a proven, community-centered model that:
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Keeps homes permanently affordable
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Builds generational wealth for low-income families
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Allows more families to benefit from a single home over time
Instead of selling homes outright, families will co-own their home with the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, living in it as their primary residence while receiving support in financial literacy, home maintenance, and access to local services. Each year, families will earn credit through their monthly payments and share in any appreciation in the home’s value.
When they're ready to move on, we’ll help them transition into traditional homeownership using the equity they've built, then we'll refresh the home and offer it to another family in need.
More impact, more families, more hope
With this model, each home we build won’t just serve one family but could serve three to five families over the next 30 years. That means our current campaign of 11 homes has the potential to support 30 to 50 families, creating a ripple effect of stability and opportunity across our region.
We need your help
While public funding covers part of our costs, it’s not enough. We rely on the generosity of our community to bridge the gap. Your donation isn’t just a gift, it’s an investment in long-term, sustainable housing solutions that benefit everyone.
Together, we can build more than houses. We can build a stronger, more stable community.
Join us in making homeownership possible for more families.