Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod: Building Affordable, Sustainable Homes

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod has proudly built nearly 200 affordable homes across all 15 towns on Cape Cod, creating opportunities for families in need of stable housing. Our organization is committed to addressing the housing crisis while promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. We’ve recently completed homes in Falmouth, Chatham, Sandwich, and Brewster, and are building in Dennis and Wellfleet now, with more builds on the horizon.

Upcoming Projects:

• Brewster: 2 Homes at 3571 Main Street
• Bourne: 1 Homes at 25 Horne Avenue
• Falmouth: 4 Homes at 805 Gifford Street Extension
• North Falmouth 14 Homes at 48 Benjamin Nyes Lane
• Yarmouth: 6 Homes at 1121 Main Street/Wood Road
• Marstons Mills: 2 Homes at 164 Route 149
• Orleans: 7 Homes at Governor Prence 

Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Homes

We focus on building homes that are not only affordable but also sustainable and energy-efficient. Our homes incorporate green building practices that minimize environmental impact, reduce energy costs, and ensure the health and safety of homeowners. Features like drought-resistant plants, energy-efficient materials, and advanced climate control systems contribute to homes that are comfortable and environmentally responsible.

National Recognition for Energy Efficiency

In recognition of our dedication to energy efficiency, Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod was honored at the 2022 ResNET Building Performance Conference as the top affiliate for creating energy-efficient housing. Our homes are built to achieve the lowest Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index in the U.S., setting the standard for energy-efficient homebuilding nationwide.

Key Features of Our Homes:

• Energy Efficiency: Our homes are designed to reduce energy consumption, requiring less energy for heating, cooling, and daily use. This leads to lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions.
• Sustainability: We prioritize the use of sustainable materials that are responsibly sourced, helping to conserve natural resources and minimize the environmental footprint of our builds.
• Health: Our energy-efficient homes feature advanced ventilation and climate control systems that ensure excellent indoor air quality, promoting healthier living environments for families.

Partnerships for a Greener Future

We believe in the power of community partnerships to further our green initiatives. For example, KAM Appliances generously donates Energy Star-rated appliances for all our new homes, further increasing energy efficiency and enhancing homeowners’ HERS Index ratings. Additionally, unsellable but functional appliances are donated to our ReStores in Yarmouth and Falmouth, where proceeds help fund future home builds.

Sustainable Landscaping

In addition to eco-friendly building materials, we also use sustainable landscaping practices. Our  designs incorporate drought-tolerant native plants that require less water and no fertilizers, creating low-maintenance, environmentally friendly yards that benefit local wildlife and reduce homeowners’ long-term costs.

Deconstruction Program

Through our Deconstruction Program, Habitat Cape Cod salvages reusable materials from renovations, such as cabinets, appliances, and fixtures. These materials are either donated to our ReStores or repurposed, allowing us to reduce waste and fund the construction of more affordable homes.

Supporting Local Families

The families we serve are essential members of the Cape Cod community, including postal workers, teachers, nursing assistants, builders, chefs, and more. Unfortunately, the ongoing shortage of affordable housing is pushing many local residents off the Cape, making it even more urgent that we continue to build homes for people from all walks of life.

Join Us in Creating a Sustainable Future

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod is actively seeking land. If you have land or know of suitable town-owned land, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Your support can help us continue building affordable, sustainable homes for Cape Cod families.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Noreen Browne, Director of Land Acquisition & Project Development, at 508-362-3559 x124 or land@habitatcapecod.org.