Overview
Habitat for Humanity Tri-County Partners has been building affordable homes in Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties for more than 30 years, and as of 2026, is working on its 166th house while expanding into Walla Walla. Their model is straightforward: qualifying families partner with Habitat to build their home, contribute sweat equity hours, and pay an affordable mortgage that keeps housing costs below 30% of their income. It’s not a grant or a giveaway, it’s a pathway to homeownership for families who would otherwise be priced out of the market entirely.
For families navigating disability services, Habitat is worth knowing about for two reasons. First, their homeownership program explicitly lists “living in a home that is inaccessible for your disabilities” as a qualifying need, meaning disability-related housing barriers are a recognized and legitimate basis for application. Second, they are developing a home repair program, which could eventually support accessibility modifications for existing homeowners.
Who It’s For
Individuals and families who meet all three of Habitat’s criteria:
- Need — dealing with inadequate, damaged, unaffordable, or inaccessible housing
- Ability to pay — enough income to sustain an affordable mortgage (housing costs at or below 30% of gross monthly income; total debt no more than 40%)
- Willingness to partner — commit to 500 hours of sweat equity (those with physical limitations can fulfill hours through office work or Habitat Store volunteering)
Income Guidelines (Effective June 1, 2026)
| Household Size | Maximum Income (80% AMI — Tri-Cities) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $59,050 |
| 2 persons | $67,450 |
| 3 persons | $75,900 |
| 4 persons | $84,300 |
| 5 persons | $91,050 |
A credit score of 640 or higher is also required.
Additional Requirements
- Legal U.S. resident with at least one year in the community of application
- Completion of a First Time Homebuyers class through Washington State Housing Finance Commission
- Savings toward closing costs (average approximately $9,000; up to two years to save before move-in)
- All household members must provide Social Security cards, IDs, tax returns, bank statements, and income verification
Home Repair Program
Habitat is currently surveying interest in a home repair program for Tri-County area homeowners. If your family member already owns a home that needs accessibility modifications or critical repairs, this program may be relevant when it launches. Submit the interest form now to be notified.
Current Application Status
Applications are currently open for the Tri-Cities Homeownership Program. Complete the pre-eligibility questionnaire online — if selected to continue, Habitat will contact you with next steps.
Tri-Cities Pre-Eligibility Form | Walla Walla Pre-Eligibility Form
Contact
General Office: 1005 Knight St., Richland, WA 99352 | (509) 943-5555
Habitat Store (ReStore): 309 Wellsian Way, Richland, WA 99352 | (509) 943-1330
Visit habitatbuilds.com | Homeownership Program Details
FAQ
Can someone with a disability qualify even if they can’t do physical construction work?
Yes. Habitat explicitly accommodates physical limitations, sweat equity hours can be fulfilled through office work or volunteering at the Habitat Store rather than construction. The 500-hour requirement applies to all families but can be met in non-physical ways.
Does disability income (SSI/SSDI) count toward the income requirement?
Yes, Habitat’s application process includes verification of “alternative income” including Social Security. The question is whether that income is sufficient to sustain an affordable mortgage while keeping housing costs at or below 30% of gross monthly income.
What does “inaccessible for your disabilities” mean as a qualifying need?
It means that if your current housing creates barriers due to your disability, stairs, narrow doorways, inaccessible bathrooms, that is a recognized housing need that can support your Habitat application. This applies to applicants with any type of disability that affects safe and comfortable use of their home.
Is the application always open?
No, Habitat opens applications periodically. As of July 2026 the Tri-Cities program is actively accepting applications, but this can change. Check habitatbuilds.com regularly and fill out the pre-eligibility form now while it’s open.
