New - 21 Hours Ago
A house supported by the spare change Triangle ReStore shoppers add at checkout is now under construction at Hope Grove in Garner.
In its November 2 report, Triangle ReStores said staff gathered in October 2026 to begin the fifth annual Round-Up House. Shoppers have contributed more than $1 million since the program began in 2021.
The house sits inside a much bigger undertaking.
Along Creech Road, Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh is developing a 150-acre community planned for more than 400 mixed-income housing units. Some homes have already reached completion, while other parts of the neighborhood remain years away.
That $1 million-plus figure is cumulative fundraising, not the cost of this house or the budget for Hope Grove.
Hope Grove's 400-plus planned units will arrive in phases. Families hoping to buy through Habitat must qualify through its separate homeownership and mortgage process, with individual home choices determined later.
How ReStore Shoppers Helped Get Another House Underway
At a Triangle ReStore checkout counter, customers can round up their purchases to support Habitat's homebuilding work.
One contribution might amount to a few cents. Collected across many transactions, those donations support an additional affordable house each year.
Six Hope Grove Homes Reached Completion Earlier This Year
From May 28 through June 5, ten for-profit builders and their partners participated in Habitat Greater Raleigh's Home Builders Blitz at Hope Grove.
The builders took six affordable homes from framing through completion during the concentrated construction effort.
According to Habitat's June 11 report, a dedication marked the end of the event, and six families could then move into their new homes.
Those six houses were separate from the Round-Up House that began in October.
What Habitat Plans for Hope Grove's 150 Acres
Habitat calls Hope Grove its largest construction project since the organization was founded in 1985. The planned housing mix includes:
- Traditional detached single-family houses.
- Townhomes.
- Semi-attached townhomes.
The mixed-income designation applies to the planned community as a whole. It doesn't establish the price, financing or buyer qualifications for any particular home.
Trails, playgrounds and shared spaces are part of the plan
Habitat also envisions greenways, walking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters or gazebos, and recreational or fitness spaces.
Habitat says these amenities will be developed throughout construction. A family buying in an earlier phase could move in while additional homes and shared spaces are still being built, so it's worth checking which trails, playgrounds or other amenities will actually be ready at move-in.
How long will Hope Grove take to finish?
Habitat's current timeline anticipates site development for later phases during 2027 through 2029.
The organization estimates that full buildout will take approximately seven to ten years from the start of site development.
The project-wide estimate doesn't set a move-in date for an individual house. Buyers will need the phase and expected completion schedule for the specific home they're considering.
Can You Apply to Buy a Habitat Home at Hope Grove?
Habitat Greater Raleigh is currently seeking qualified applicants through its general homeownership program.
The organization's homeownership application page describes an income qualification of up to 80% of area median income, or AMI.
AMI is a local income benchmark, with dollar limits that vary according to household size.
Habitat also reviews the applicant's connection to its service area, required documentation, credit and background information, and ability to make mortgage payments.
The organization serves Wake, Johnston and Franklin counties.
Habitat homes are purchased with low-interest mortgage financing tailored to qualified buyers, not given away. The organization says monthly mortgage payments are structured not to exceed 30% of the buyer's gross monthly income at closing. That condition doesn't guarantee later housing costs will remain unchanged.
The application comes before choosing a home
Habitat's process begins with an eligibility form.
Applicants invited to continue submit a full application and supporting documents for review.
The initial eligibility form is free, although credit and background-check charges may arise later.
Home and lot selection comes later. Options depend on the type of home a buyer qualifies for, completed sweat-equity hours and what's available at that stage. Applying doesn't reserve the Round-Up House, a particular townhome or a preferred lot.
Habitat Homebuyers Must Complete 200 Hours of Sweat Equity
Habitat's homeownership program also requires 200 hours of sweat equity.
That phrase may bring to mind weekends spent hammering nails on a construction site.
Building work can count, but it isn't the only way to complete the requirement.
Habitat lists eligible activities that include financial and homeownership education, construction, ReStore volunteering, administrative assistance and events.
For someone balancing work and family obligations, the range of eligible activities is worth understanding early.
What If a Habitat Homeowner Wants to Sell Later?
Habitat Greater Raleigh's homeownership FAQ says owners may sell their homes at any time. While they own them, they must occupy and maintain the homes rather than turn them into rental properties.
The organization also describes a right of first refusal, which gives Habitat an opportunity to repurchase the home under the applicable agreement.
Another provision involves shared appreciation.
Habitat's general FAQ describes a rider covering a percentage of the home's appreciation over 15 years.
That can affect how much of a property's increased value the homeowner retains when selling.
Consider a family that purchases through Habitat and later needs to relocate for work. They can sell, but Habitat's repurchase rights and any shared-appreciation rider may affect the transaction and how appreciation is divided.
The precise terms for a particular home are established by its purchase, mortgage and recorded agreements.
How Garner Buyers Can Follow Hope Grove's Next Homes
The November 2 Round-Up report covers the start of construction rather than announcing a purchase price or confirmed move-in date for that house. Interested households can start with Habitat's official application page, which explains eligibility and links to the eligibility form.
Habitat Greater Raleigh lists 919-833-1999 and [email protected] for prospective homebuyers.
The Hope Grove project page provides the broader development plan and updates.
HomesRaleigh's Living in Garner, NC: Homes, Commutes and Monthly Costs guide provides broader context for comparing established Garner neighborhoods with new construction.
For Hope Grove specifically, ask Habitat which homes are approaching buyer selection and how eligibility and home choices work across phases. Check when a particular home is expected to be ready and what mortgage and resale terms would apply.
Conceptual editorial illustration; not a photograph, approved design or depiction of an actual property or project.
