Habitat for Humanity Buffalo is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization seeking to alleviate the shortage of quality affordable housing in Buffalo, New York. For many families in Buffalo, having a place to call home is impossible. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money, land, and materials, Habitat Buffalo builds or rehabilitates simple, decent houses. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to work, acceptance of responsibilities and ability to repay mortgage. Families must complete 500 hours of sweat equity, which includes homeowner education classes. Qualified families purchase Habitat homes with a zero-interest mortgage, enabling them to own their home. For additional information on owning a home, please click here. Habitat Buffalo is financed by private donations from individuals, community groups, corporations, charities, foundations, schools, and religious organizations. Government funds are not accepted for new construction or renovation or repair of existing houses. We do accept government funds for acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. We also accept government funds for streets, utilities, and administrative expenses, as long as the funds have no strings attached that would violate Habitat Buffalo's principles.