Habitat homeownership is built on partnership, with future homeowners taking an active role rather than waiting for a finished house. Through sweat equity, completing a homebuyer education course through NeighborWorks Homeownership Center, working with Habitat to finalize the purchase and closing of their home, and maintaining good, responsive communication throughout the process, participants contribute their time, effort, and commitment while preparing for the responsibilities of owning a home. This opportunity can be life changing for individuals and families who have faced barriers to finding a safe and affordable place to live, but it is not a handout. It is a hand up that makes homeownership more attainable without removing the responsibility that comes with it. Homeowners purchase their homes and take on a mortgage, household bills, maintenance, and the everyday work of caring for a home. With support from Habitat and the wider community, that shared investment creates something lasting: a stable place to belong and a foundation for the future.