Read some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Habitat for Humanity and its work.
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in nearly 1,400 communities across the United States and in approximately 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.
Learn more about Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.
How does Habitat for Humanity help families?
People in Knox County and all over the world partner with Habitat to build a place they can call home.
Knoxville Habitat homeowners go through an extensive homeowner education program, help build their own homes alongside volunteers and purchase their home at cost (zero profit) and pay an affordable zero-percent interest mortgage.
How does Knoxville Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?
Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity.
Our Family Selection Committee consisting of board members and other community volunteers select homeowner families based on:
- The applicant’s level of need.
- Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
- Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
As part of their willingness to partner, Knoxville Habitat’s homebuyers invest 500 hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, through our homeownership education, as well as working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners. Our homeownership education includes classes in budgeting, home repair, construction, how to be a good neighbor and more.
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners.
Visit our Homeownership information to learn more.
How can I become a volunteer?
Visit our Volunteer section to learn about the many ways you can volunteer, as an individual or a group, in a variety of roles that include construction, teaching, administrative and in our ReStore.
Can I volunteer for construction if I don’t have any experience?
Absolutely! Most of our volunteers have no construction experience. We would love to teach you new skills such as framing, roofing or siding while on the job site.
Sign up here to volunteer or learn more.
Does Habitat for Humanity take donations?
Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. These donations help families build a place they can call home. Visit our Support page learn more.
We also have a local home improvement store and donation center, the Knoxville Habitat ReStore, which sells building materials, furniture, appliances and more to the public. The money made from these sales is used to help families build a better future. To donate materials, visit or contact our ReStore.
For businesses wishing to make bulk donations of goods and materials, please visit our In-Kind Donations page.
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, appliances and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price.
The Knoxville Habitat for Humanity ReStore is owned and operated by Knoxville Habitat, and proceeds are used to help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.
To learn more, please visit our ReStore information.
What is the organizational structure of Knoxville Habitat for Humanity?
Knoxville Habitat is governed by a board of directors representing men and women throughout Knox County. Daily operations are managed by professional staff.
Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?
Yes, we are a 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.