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About the Homes Located at 31 Wharf Road
In partnership with Bolinas Community Land Trust (BCLT), we are building 8 new, affordable homes on Wharf Road in Bolinas. These homes are for households earning between 60-80% of Marin County’s Area Median Income (AMI). Two units will be for applicants whose household income is at least 60% of the AMI but no greater than 65%. This will provide homeownership opportunities for first time homebuyers. You can read more about the origins of the partnership and the project in our joint press release.
BCLT will retain ownership of the land in perpetuity through their community land trust model, ensuring long-term affordability and community control. In addition to the 8 new homes, BCLT’s permanent headquarters will also be located onsite so they can remain easily accessible and closely connected to the community they serve.
The homes feature:
- Six three-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units
- Average of 900 square feet
- On-site parking
- Dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven/stove, and refrigerator
- Images below represent interior finishes similar to those that will be featured in these homes:
The Application Process
As a fair housing lender, we follow strict regulations to ensure a fair and equitable application and selection process. We’ve outlined the main steps below:
Step 1
Application
Submit your screening form online. (It is highly recommended to attend an information session prior to doing so).
Step 2
Selection
We use a randomized lottery process to determine the order in which applications are processed.
Step 3
Qualification
You provide a full application, and we look at your income, credit and other requirements to determine if you qualify.
Step 4
Sweat Equity
Once your household has been selected, it’s time to put in 500 hours of sweat equity.
Step 5
Escrow Closing
One last income, credit and requirements review to requalify you for your loan and start the escrow process.
Step 6
Move in!
Enjoy the security and stability that comes with owning your own home.
How to Apply
Information Sessions
To help ensure you have all of the information you need to be as successful as possible with your application, we are holding a series of Information sessions. We strongly encourage you to attend a session before you submit your screening form.
All sessions are held in both English and Spanish, all via Zoom. You can sign up using the links below:
English Sessions:
Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10:00am:
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 5:30pm:
Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:30pm:
Monday, June 30, 2026 at 5:30pm:
Spanish Sessions:
Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:30am:
Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 5:30pm:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 5:30pm:
Monday, June 29, 2026 at 5:30pm:
Screening Form
The application period opens on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 and closes on July 1, 2026, at 5pm. To start the application process for the homes at 31 Wharf Road, you will need to fill out a screening form (we highly recommend that you attend one of the information sessions above before filling out the form). Please click the link below to fill out the screening form:
After the application period closes on July 1, 2026, we will host a virtual lottery on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 1:00pm. Attendance is optional. You can register to attend here. Results from the lottery will be posted on this page.
Get in touch
Please reach out to our team with any questions:
homeownership@habitatgsf.org
(415) 625-1041
FAQs
What is happening at 31 Wharf?
- The Bolinas Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco have teamed up to build eight new affordable homes all designed with long-term affordability in mind.
- The eight homes at 31 Wharf will be newly constructed units.
- The project includes robust community engagement with a focus on building trust through transparent outreach and a clear, open homeowner selection process.
- Our outreach plans prioritize early and ongoing engagement with local leaders, stakeholders, and community-based organizations.
- While we’ll market in a very targeted way we expect most interest and success to come from families who live, work, or have roots in West Marin.
- From the start, this project has been designed to serve working families in West Marin. Outreach and marketing will be targeted to households in West Marin and those least likely to apply.
When is this project starting and ending and what can the community expect?
- Construction started in late January 2026 and is expected to take approximately 16-18 months to complete.
- We will do our best to minimize disruptions and share information in advance. Construction hours will typically be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some Saturday work may occur, especially during volunteer build days.
- There may be typical construction noise and occasional impacts to local traffic and access due to construction activity. Habitat and its subcontractors work hard to be responsive and resolve any issues in a timely way.
- We welcome feedback throughout the process and will do our best to adjust whenever possible. Our goal is to complete the project safely and as quickly as possible while meeting the highest standards for construction.
Who will purchase the homes?
- These eight units will be offered for sale to low–income, qualified, first-time homebuyers earning between 60-80% of Marin County’s Area Median Income (AMI). Two of the eight units will be for applicants whose household income is at least 60% of the AMI but no greater than 65%.
- Housing payments on the homes are capped at up to 30% of gross household income and include such costs as mortgage repayment, utilities, taxes and insurance.
- All homebuyers need to meet the qualifications at the time they submit their application to be considered.
What benefit does this offer Bolinas?
- This project is an incredible opportunity to help fight displacement and address the growing housing crisis across West Marin.
- The average home price in Bolinas is nearly $1.75M, which means homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for many households.
- The project at 31 Wharf will provide eight households with lasting housing security, the ability to build equity, and have a long-term future contributing to the community in Bolinas.
- Families who own their homes have better health outcomes, their children perform better in school, and they are more involved in their communities.
- Housing payments on the homes are capped at up to 30% of gross household income, including such costs as mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance.
How do you ensure a fair process?
- As a fair housing lender, we are required to follow strict state and federal regulations, including county-specific income requirements set by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
- These requirements help ensure that the selection process is fair and equitable for everyone.
- Interested homebuyers fill out an application and are entered into a pool. Once the deadline for application closes, we conduct a randomized selection process, also known as a lottery.
- The lottery simply establishes the order in which each application is reviewed.
- If an application is reviewed and does not meet all of the necessary requirements, we move on to the next application based on the order previously determined by the lottery.
- The basis for a household’s selection is their level of need for better housing, their willingness to partner with us and work alongside volunteers, and their ability to pay an affordable mortgage.
How does Habitat Greater San Francisco support homeowners?
- Habitat serves as the mortgage lender, offering affordable mortgages and walking alongside homeowners as true partners throughout the process.
- We’re committed to supporting first-time homebuyers from application through move-in and beyond.
- All Habitat homeowners receive a one-year warranty covering the fit and finish of their home, ensuring a smooth transition into homeownership.
Is Habitat Greater San Francisco involving any local companies or tradespeople in this project?
- Yes, we are always looking for opportunities to partner with local companies and tradespeople throughout the Bay Area.
- First and foremost, the Bolinas Community Land Trust is a key partner on the project and the landowner of the site.
- The homes themselves were designed by John Lum Architects. John Lum is a Bolinas resident.
- The general contractor has deep experience building in Marin. The company is Midstate Construction based in Petaluma.
- We will continue to look for opportunities to partner with additional local companies as the project progresses.
How can I support this project?
- Every contribution, whether financial or hands-on, helps make affordable homeownership a reality. We welcome community members to join us during volunteer build days or contribute to help fund this work.
- One of the most powerful ways to support us is by spreading the word. Become a positive ambassador for the project. Share information with friends and neighbors and help us build local understanding and support for affordable housing.
- If you’re curious about Habitat’s mission or want to explore other ways to get involved, reach out. We’d love to talk and find ways to get you involved.
What are we doing to support aspiring homeowners?
- Our Homebuyer Readiness Program helps prospective homebuyers learn what they need to know to prepare to apply to purchase a Habitat home. It also serves as an important resource with referrals and resources for all attendees.
- We will be hosting information sessions for 31 Wharf Road once applications are open. Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom on weeknights and weekends in Spanish and English. Those interested in applying for the homes are strongly encouraged to attend.
- It includes clear and transparent information about the qualification criteria and what the process entails.
- We also encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us directly.