NEED

To qualify, a household’s gross income (before taxes) must be between 40% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)  for our geographical area  which is based on HUD guidelines, adjusted annually.

Their current housing must be insufficient due to overcrowding, temporariness, defective and unsafe conditions, or other reasons.

Applicants may be paying significantly more than 30% of their gross income for rent.

Applicant cannot have owned a home in the past 3 years. And must have lived or worked in the affiliate service area for the previous 12 months.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER

Program Participants must invest volunteer hours, or “Participation Hours” with Habitat. Participation Hours can be earned through construction of your home and homes of others, working in the Habitat office and/or helping with special events. Each household must complete a minimum of 200-250 Participation Hours (depending on household size) prior to moving in.

Program Participants must be willing to participate in a variety of Homeownership Education Classes. These sessions include home maintenance, budgeting, repairs and other topics. Applicants must also participate in a quarterly review of their financial documents.

Future Homeowners must be willing to participate in raising awareness about Habitat through participating in events and telling their story.

ABILITY TO PAY

The income stability of applicants will be examined, including credit history and debts. Successful applicants may not have any bankruptcies or foreclosures within the previous 24 months.

Other factors affecting an applicant’s ability to pay the low-interest mortgage will also be considered.