HOMEOWNERSHIP

Habitat builds houses to create a foundation for people to grow into their full potential. Families who turn to Habitat are typically struggling with substandard living conditions, coping with a high crime environment, are in overcrowded housing, and paying too much of their low incomes for rent. They come to Habitat looking for stability, opportunity and hope.

Habitat homeowners come from many walks of life. They are clerical workers, housekeepers, retail workers, teachers and childcare assistants, taxi drivers, food service workers and industrial production workers, to name just a few. Habitat homeowners want to give their loved ones a safe, stable place to live.

How the Habitat Homeowner Program Works

Habitat for Humanity is a homeownership program that empowers families to build a new life for themselves through owning their own home. Habitat Homes are not given away, but are sold to families who qualify and are willing to make a down payment, put in at least 250 hours of sweat equity and are willing to make monthly mortgage payments. These homes are affordable because the homes are sold with a no-interest loan and the homes are built by volunteers.

Applying to Habitat

It takes a minimum of one year from the time of application before a family can move into their Habitat home.

To apply for a Habitat Home, candidates must meet and follow strict qualification guidelines. The application process begins with mandatory orientation sessions that will begin in the Fall of the year to educate prospective homeowners about our program. Applications, employer verifications and landlord references are distributed and filled out at the meeting. You will be required to bring information about your monthly income, and the mailing addresses of your landlord and all employers. Hundreds of families apply every year.

Habitat selects applicants who meet our three criteria:

1. Willingness to partner: Families must be able to show that they are willing to partner with Habitat by contributing 250 hours per applicant on the construction of their home and the homes of other families; willing to make a down payment; willing to continue to partner with Habitat after their home is finished through on time mortgage payments, volunteerism and home upkeep.
2. Need for Housing: Families must currently live in substandard, crowded or unaffordable housing, or housing that for some reason does not meet the needs of the family.
3. Ability to Pay: Families must meet the financial requirements and have the ability to make a monthly mortgage payment based on 25% of their gross (before taxes) monthly income.