Heading Home Townhomes

In the Spring of 2026 Rice County Habitat for Humanity will begin construction on four units (two duplexes) that will be home to four households in Northfield. Each home will have four bedrooms and two bathrooms. One bedroom and an accessible bathroom will be on the main level of each unit, along with an accessible laundry room.

Rice County Habitat for Humanity partners with households that have incomes below 80% of Area Median Income. We work with every household to get an affordable mortgage and down payment assistance. We utilize volunteer labor and look forward to having individuals, churches, businesses and civic groups join us on the build site.

We believe in the power of homeownership. We believe that homeownership is a “transformational” foundation that empowers families to break cycles of poverty and achieve long-term stability.

Read about the IMPACT of Rice County Habitat for Humanity:
Financial Stability and Wealth Building: Homeownership is a primary source of generational wealth. Habitat notes that U.S. homeowners have an average net wealth 400% higher than renters with similar demographics. Affordable mortgages—capped at 30% of household income—free up funds for nutritious food, healthcare, and savings.

Educational Outcomes: Stable housing provides a consistent learning environment. Children of low-income homeowners are 11% more likely to graduate high school and significantly more likely to attend college than children of renters.

Health and Well-being: Moving into safe, hazard-free homes leads to measurable health improvements. Habitat research shows such moves are associated with 18% fewer emergency department visits and a significant reduction in chronic issues like asthma and respiratory infections.

Community and Civic Engagement: Homeowners are more likely to establish deep roots, leading to increased civic participation. They are 1.3 times more likely to join neighborhood groups or civic associations and have higher voter turnout rates compared to renters.

Self-Reliance through Partnership: Unlike traditional charity, Habitat’s model requires homeowners to invest “sweat equity” by helping build their own homes. This process, along with financial education, fosters a sense of dignity, pride, and the skills needed for successful, long-term ownership.