are you a renter ready to buy?

come to our Homeowner Readiness Resource Fair

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Tuesday, February 24th | 5pm-7pm
The Garde Arts Center
325 State Street, New London

Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is hosting our 2nd Annual Homeowner Readiness Resource Fair at the Garde Theatre in New London.  The fair aims to provide direct, in-person resources for folks who want to level up the housing continuum – whether it’s a better rental situation or a path to affordable homeownership. It is free and open to all renters or prospective first-time homebuyers. 

who we are

At Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut, we work with families and the community to build hope and homes. Through sweat equity, education, and partnership, households gain stability through affordable homeownership.

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create lasting impact

Your gift helps families build safe, stable, and affordable homes in our community. Questions about other ways to give? Email us here or call us at (860) 442-7890 x204

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volunteer with us

Build on site, help in ReStore, or support events—no experience needed! Questions about volunteering or getting community service hours? Email us here or call us at (860) 442-7890 x215

VolunteerUp Portal

homeownership

Learn how Habitat homeownership works—eligibility guidelines, sweat equity, education, and next steps to apply. Questions about first steps or about our Readiness Workshops? Email us here or call us at (860) 442-7890 x201

our homeownership program eligibility 

Since 1987, we’ve partnered with more than 110 families to build better lives through safe, affordable homeownership. If you're ready to take the first step, review the qualifications below. We’re here to support you with resources and expertise.

1

in need of better housing
​Potential homebuyers must demonstrate a need for safe, stable housing. This may include living in overcrowded conditions, an unsafe or unhealthy home, housing that is not accessible for a disability, or spending more than 30% of your income on housing expenses.

2

willing to partner with Habitat
Each homeowner puts in "sweat equity" hours, which means they help build Habitat homes, take home preparedness classes, and volunteer in other ways. This partnership is the cornerstone of our program.

3

able to pay an affordable mortgage
Each Habitat home is sold to the homeowner with a no-profit, affordable mortgage. To qualify, families must demonstrate the financial ability to make monthly mortgage payments and cover other household expenses. Income requirements are based on HUD’s annual guidelines and help determine if an applicant can sustainably manage the costs of homeownership. Habitat homeowners earn between 50%-80% of the area median income.

4

live in our service area
In addition, applicants must currently live within Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut’s service area. This ensures we’re serving the communities we know best — building strength, stability, and self-reliance right here at home. Not sure if you're in our area? Check out the map to the left.

homeowner readiness workshops

Ready to own a home—or simply curious about what it takes? Our Homeowner Readiness Workshop is a FREE, interactive class series designed for anyone who wants to:

• Understand the homebuying process: Learn about credit, budgeting, and the steps from application to move-in day.
• Build financial confidence: Get practical tips on saving for a down payment, managing debt, and improving your credit score.
• Explore our Homeownership Program: Discover income requirements, partner family responsibilities, and how to apply.
• Connect with experts: Meet mortgage counselors, real estate professionals, and current Habitat homeowners who’ll share their stories and answer your questions.

​And good news... our next Homeowner Readiness Workshops are starting up on February 18th at 5-6pm! They are in partnership with Chelsea Groton Bank and will be held at 92 Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London, CT 06320. To find out more information, please see the flyer to the right, and to register, please email [email protected] or call (860) 442-7890 x201.

restore donations & locations

Our ReStores accept gently used furniture and appliances to be sold to the community at discount prices. Questions about shopping or items you'd like to donate? Click here to see our list of accepted items or call the closest location listed to you. 

Waterford ReStore
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
(Donation Drop-Off is 10am-4pm)
​82 Boston Post Road
​Waterford, CT 06385
​(860) 437-3422

Plainfield ReStore
​Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
(Donation Drop-Off is 10am-4pm)
89 Mill Brook Rd.
Plainfield, CT 06374
​(​860) 564-7507

Schedule a Pickup