Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications to purchase a Habitat home located in the Village of Youngstown that was built in partnership with People Inc.
Through the innovative partnership, a new accessible, single-family home is under construction to address the critical demand for affordable housing and accessibility modifications in Niagara County.
Habitat’s Homeownership Program works with qualified individuals and families to help them attain a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat homebuyers must qualify as low to moderate income, which is a maximum of 80% of the Area Median Income as set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. To ensure an affordable mortgage for all Habitat homebuyers, monthly mortgage payments are structured to never exceed 30% of the household income.
Eligibility for the program will be determined based on the applicant’s need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. The program provides a hand up, not a handout, meaning participants will complete at least 100 hours of “sweat equity” which can consist of a variety of projects including construction work on Habitat homes, classes preparing for the financial requirements of homeownership, and more.
This home has various accessibility features and modifications. Situated on 0.25 acres of land, the home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with one bathroom having a walk-in/roll-in shower. Other features include an open concept design and an attached garage.
The project launched in 2025 as a collaborative effort between NAHFH and People Inc. Under this partnership, NAHFH is managing the planning, construction, and family services aspect of this process while People Inc. has funded the majority of project costs. This project is People Inc.’s first home ownership initiative. The Hinman Street property was donated to the former Rivershore Inc., which merged with People Inc. in 2016. Rivershore raised funds for an accessible residential project on the site prior to the merger, and those funds were used to pay a portion of the construction costs for the project.
To apply, an application must be requested from Kyra Rieker, Family Services & Volunteer coordinator by phone or email. Prospective applicants can reach Rieker through email at krieker@niagarahabitat.org or phone at 716-265-9010 ext. 102. All questions should be directed there as well.
Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity housing provider. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the law and provide a program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin. Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, citizenship, or immigration status.