National Homeownership Month offers a moment to reflect on the importance of stable housing, the people we are serving, and to examine the barriers that many families continue to face. After a many-month-long process, Orange Habitat approved three families for the three available homes for the homeownership program in May. Data that resulted from this application cycle helps inform us of the answers to some of these questions.

During the Spring 2025 application period, Habitat received a total of 149 applications. At the conclusion of the application process, 14 applicants were income eligible for the program (or 9% of the total applicants). Some interesting data points that came out of this applicant pool include:

• Demographics: A majority of applicants (56%) identified as Black or African American, followed by White (13%) and Asian (10%). Roughly 15% identified as Latinx or Hispanic. Nearly 78% of applicants were women, and the average age was 47.
• Local Roots: On average, applicants had lived or worked in Orange County for 25 years, underscoring deep ties to the community.
• Household Structure: The average household size was three, and nearly three-quarters of applicants were unmarried. Households ranged in size from one to seven individuals.
• Housing Conditions: Applicants reported a range of housing challenges. Many were living in overcrowded spaces, paying unaffordable rents (averaging $1,150 per month), or residing in homes with health or safety issues.
• Employment & Income: Most applicants (89%) had full-time jobs, many with local employers like UNC Healthcare, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. The average annual income was just under $50,000, with most applicants falling into the “low” or “very low” income categories based on area median income.
• Selected Homebuyers: Of the three individuals selected, two identified as Black or African American, and all were long-time community members with steady employment and strong program readiness. Their average income was $49,281 — or 56% of the area median income.

Orange Habitat opens applications for the homeownership program twice per year, typically in the beginning of the year and in the summer. The next few application cycles will continue to be for homes available in Weavers Grove in Chapel Hill. Fill out the interest form to be notified of application updates.