Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Seeks Land to Expand Affordable Housing
Donated or discounted land urgently needed across the service area.
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is calling on property owners, developers, local governments and community partners to help address the region’s growing affordable housing shortage by donating land or offering buildable property at reduced cost.
Habitat is seeking vacant or underutilized parcels of all sizes across its service area, including the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, as well as James City and York counties.
Opportunities may include donated lots, surplus or publicly owned land, estate property or land sold below market value to support affordable home construction.
“Access to land is the single greatest barrier to building more affordable homes in our communities,” said Shauntrice Williams, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “This is a call to action for anyone who owns or controls land. Your generosity can directly translate into affordable homes for families who need them, and into stronger, more stable neighborhoods for all of us.”
By securing land, Habitat can accelerate the construction of affordable homes that support the local workforce, strengthen community resilience and deliver long-term economic and social impact. Donors may be eligible for charitable tax deductions, and additional tax incentives or credits may be available depending on the nature of the contribution.
According to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), housing affordability has reached a critical point across the Commonwealth.
Rising home prices have pushed homeownership out of reach for many Virginians, with the median home sales price increasing to over $400,000 in 2025. At the same time, the supply of homes affordable to low- and middle-income households has shrunk dramatically.
Data cited by JLARC from the Virginia Realtors Association shows that the share of homes selling for $200,000 or less has dropped by 40% since 2019. While many households may earn enough to manage monthly mortgage payments, they often lack the savings needed for down payments and closing costs, which can exceed $10,000 even for modestly priced homes. Renting is not a reliable alternative, as JLARC reports that Virginia faces a statewide shortage of at least 200,000 affordable rental units for extremely and very low-income households, with every region affected, underscoring the urgent need for more affordable housing solutions statewide.
Individuals and organizations interested in donating land, selling property at a discounted price or exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Habitat to discuss options and potential tax benefits.
To learn more or begin a conversation, contact:
Shauntrice Williams
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg
swilliams@habitatpgw.org
