MANSFIELD — Habitat for Humanity of Richland & Crawford Counties is now accepting applications for its affordable homeownership program, with the application period open through May 20, 2026.
Over the next 18 months, Habitat will construct four new homes — three in Crawford County and one in Richland County — expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for local families.
“This is a truly historic moment for our organization,” said Executive Director Aubri Them. “For the first time in years, we are expanding our impact across both Richland and Crawford Counties in a meaningful way — bringing more families than ever into the opportunity of homeownership.”
Them noted that this next phase of construction reflects a deeper commitment not just to building homes, but to building well-designed, sustainable spaces that support long-term success for homeowners.
“These homes will be thoughtfully designed with long-term stability in mind, balancing both form and function to create energy-efficient, sustainable spaces for our partner families,” Them said.
“I’m proud to bring my 20 years of residential interior design experience into this work, alongside talented local architect, business owner, and Board member Matthew Stanfield of FiELD9: architecture, as we lead this next phase of construction.”
The growth of the organization is also being driven by strong leadership at the board level.
“As Board Chair, I could not be more proud of the direction our organization is heading,” Erin Stine said. “We have a deeply committed Board and a clear vision for growth, and we’re seeing that come to life through projects like this.
“This is an exciting time for Habitat for Humanity of Richland & Crawford Counties, and we invite our community, partners, and supporters to be part of what comes next.”
That sense of shared momentum is already evident in the partnerships forming around these builds. Habitat has received generous early support from The Crawford County Foundation and Richland County Foundation and is continuing to expand collaboration with Pioneer Career and Technology Center and other local construction trade programs.
“This work doesn’t happen in isolation — it takes a community,” Them said. “We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and we warmly welcome partners, supporters, and volunteers to join us in building not just homes, but lasting stability and hope.”
Habitat’s homeownership program is designed for individuals and families who are ready to invest in their future through affordable homeownership, including the opportunity to purchase a home with an affordable, zero-percent interest mortgage.
Applicants must demonstrate a need for housing, the ability to pay an affordable, zero-percent interest mortgage, and a willingness to partner with Habitat through sweat equity and homeownership education. Additional program guidelines and eligibility requirements apply.
Applications are available in person at the Habitat office by calling 419-524-8361, online at www.habitatofrcc.org, or by requesting an application via email at apply@habitatofrcc.org.
All applications must be submitted by May 20, 2026. Habitat for Humanity follows all Ohio Fair Housing laws and is an equal opportunity housing provider.
Habitat for Humanity of Richland & Crawford Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Richland & Crawford Counties partners with local families, volunteers, and donors to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. By providing access to safe housing and financial education, Habitat empowers families to invest in their futures and build generational stability.