Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity Seeks Future Homeowners as Davies Street Homes Take Shape

Six new homes are rising on Davies Street and Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity is looking for the families who will help build them, buy them and call them home.

With construction underway on the affiliate’s first new homes since 2022, Habitat is reminding area residents that applications for its Homebuyer Program remain open.

Habitat broke ground Aug. 20 on the 1,232-square-foot homes in Fredericksburg’s Mayfield neighborhood, on land donated to the affiliate in 2016.

“The construction work on Davies Street is only half the story,” said Maerine “Mimi” Mitchell, executive director of Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. “The other half is the families who will turn these houses into homes. If you’ve told yourself homeownership isn’t for you, because rent keeps climbing or a down payment feels out of reach, talk with us before you rule yourself out.”

Habitat homes are not given away. Habitat homeowners are homebuyers. They qualify for affordable loans and make monthly mortgage payments, along with property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Financing is available through Habitat and through third-party lenders with established Habitat partnerships.

The program is built on partnership. Future homeowners contribute “sweat equity” by volunteering on Habitat projects, complete a substantial financial education course and work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers throughout the process.

“A Habitat home is worked for and earned, and that’s what makes it so meaningful,” Mitchell said. “Our homebuyers put in the volunteer hours, take the financial classes and make every mortgage payment. We provide the path, the coaching and a price they can actually afford. They do the rest.”

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a need for an affordable home, the ability to pay an affordable mortgage and a willingness to volunteer and complete the financial course.

Because Habitat sells homes at cost and relies on volunteer labor and materials donated by major suppliers, its homes are within reach for working families.

“The people who qualify for this program are the people who keep our community running,” Mitchell said. “Firefighters, police officers and EMTs. Teachers and school staff. First-time buyers who have done everything right and still can’t find a home they can afford. They’re your neighbors, and we want them to be our homeowners.”

The process begins with a virtual interest meeting, held virtually one Wednesday each month at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Registration is available at fredhab.org/programs/homeownership.

After the meeting, prospective buyers schedule an intake appointment and submit an application through Habitat’s Homebuyer Services portal at hbs.gfhfh.org. A $50 nonrefundable fee covers background and credit checks. Applicants selected to partner with Habitat then apply for an affordable home loan. Full program requirements are posted on the Habitat website.

Those not ready to apply can join the Homebuyer Interest Mailing List for updates on new builds and program requirements.

For questions, contact Homebuyer Services at homeownership@fredhab.org or 540-891-4401, ext. 2014.

Learn more about the Davies Street project at fredhab.org/programs/homeownership/davies-street-development.

Media Contact
Stephanie Heinatz
Consociate Media for Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity
757-713-2199

stephanie@consociatemedia.com

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