apply
learn about how you could apply to become a Habitat homebuyer
Franklin Hampshire Habitat builds homes in Western Massachusetts, with the help of dedicated volunteers and future homeowners. Being a Habitat homebuyer offers the chance to help build and learn about what goes on behind the walls of your own home (no prior construction experience necessary!) and own a home with an affordable mortgage.
Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity housing lender.
current opportunities
Not interested in our current opportunities? Check this page for future opportunities, and join our notification list to be alerted when they are available.
Cadwell Street, Pelham
Applications open: June 1, 2026
Application deadline: August 4, 2026
Habitat is building two homes on Cadwell Street in Pelham: a 2-story, 3-bedroom home, and a 1-story, 2-bedroom home adaptable for someone in a wheelchair. These will both be small-scale, all-electric homes that will be deed restricted to maintain future affordability. The homes will be in the village center area of town, walking distance to the local elementary school and public library.
You may qualify if:
- You are willing to volunteer at least 250 construction hours
- You are able to make housing payments of $850-$1,650/month
- Your income is within the eligible range (see table)
*Gross income does not include food benefits like SNAP or WIC, but does include reliable income from sources like: wages, homeownership voucher, SS, disability, child support received, etc. Please ask if you have any questions about income.
| Family Size | Minimum income* | Maximum income* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $36,000 | $55,238 |
| 2 people | $36,000 | $63,150 |
| 3 people | $36,000 | $71,025 |
| 4 people | $36,000 | $78,900 |
| 5 people | $36,000 | $85,238 |
| 6 people | $36,000 | $91,538 |
Upcoming Info sessions – recommended for all applicants
Join us at the Pelham Public Library to learn more about the Habitat homeownership application process and our upcoming new affordable home project on Cadwell Street in Pelham.
Join us on Zoom to learn more about the Habitat homeownership application process and our upcoming new affordable home project on Cadwell Street in Pelham.
Join us on Zoom to learn more about the Habitat homeownership application process and our upcoming new affordable home project on Cadwell Street in Pelham.
how to submit your application
Applications are available from June 1, 2026 until the deadline of August 4, 2026. Applications may be completed online or on paper. The completed application packet must be received in the Habitat office, uploaded, or postmarked on or before TUESDAY AUGUST 4TH, 2026 for your application to move forward. A mailed application must be received no later than 5 business days after the postmark. Applications may NOT be submitted by fax or email.
Online Applications:
- Complete your application and upload supporting documents using Jotform (links below).
- You can choose to “save and continue” later, but make sure the form is submitted before the deadline.
Paper Applications:
Paper applications may be obtained by:
- Downloading the application from the Habitat website (link below) and printing
- Visiting the Habitat for Humanity office at 221 Pine Street, Room 159, in Florence, MA. Applications are available in the hallway even if the office is closed. Go to the Main (east) entrance of the Arts & Industry building and walk straight back to the end of the hall.
- Visiting the Pelham Public Library: 2 South Valley Rd Pelham, MA
- Visiting Pelham Town Hall: 351 Amherst Rd Pelham, MA
- Attending an information session in person and picking up a paper copy
- Calling (413) 517-8326 or emailing apply@fhhabitat.org to request an application be sent to you
Submit your completed application and copies of documents:
- Mail your application to FH Habitat, PO Box 60642, Florence, MA 01062.
- Drop off your application in our office lock box at 221 Pine Street, Room 159, in Florence, MA (do not mail to this address) – go to the Main (east) entrance of the Arts & Industry building and walk straight back to the end of the hall.
Uploading additional documents if required:
Upload supporting documents saved to your phone or computer securely at https://fhhabitat.leapfile.net
- Choose “Secure Upload”
- Enter apply@fhhabitat.org as the Recipient Email
- Enter your contact info and a note
- On the secure upload page, select the files you need to upload and click “Upload & Send”
Equal opportunity statement
Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity housing lender. Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity will not to discriminate in the selection of applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, ancestry, children, familial status, genetic information, marital status, public assistance recipient status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran/military status, or any other basis prohibited by law, and such a statement must also be included in the application materials. Further, persons with disabilities are entitled to request a reasonable accommodation in rules, policies, practices, or services, or to request a reasonable modification in the housing, when such accommodations or modifications may be necessary.
First-time homebuyer definition
from 42 U.S.C. § 12704(14)
(14) The term “first-time homebuyer” means an individual and his or her spouse who have not owned a home during the 3-year period prior to purchase of a home with assistance under subchapter II, except that—
- (A) any individual who is a displaced homemaker may not be excluded from consideration as a first-time homebuyer under this paragraph on the basis that the individual, while a homemaker, owned a home with his or her spouse or resided in a home owned by the spouse;
- (B) any individual who is a single parent may not be excluded from consideration as a first-time homebuyer under this paragraph on the basis that the individual, while married, owned a home with his or her spouse or resided in a home owned by the spouse; and
- (C) an individual shall not be excluded from consideration as a first-time homebuyer under this paragraph on the basis that the individual owns or owned, as a principal residence during such 3-year period, a dwelling unit whose structure is—
- (i) not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with local or other applicable regulations, or
- (ii) not in compliance with State, local, or model building codes, or other applicable codes, and cannot be brought into compliance with such codes for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.
(13) The term “displaced homemaker” means an individual who—
- (A) is an adult;
- (B) has not worked full-time full-year in the labor force for a number of years but has, during such years, worked primarily without remuneration to care for the home and family; and
- (C) is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.
