There must be a demonstrated need in order to qualify for a Habitat Home. Need is determined by a family's current living conditions. Some examples of need are outline below (this list is not all-inclusive):
The ability to pay is determined by information provided and collected during the application process.
Information on the paper application, pay stubs, benefit statements, previously filed federal tax returns, and credit reports are examples of the resources used to determine this ability.
Applicants Must Have:
A partner family must be willing to complete "sweat-equity" hours.
"Sweat-equity" is when a partner family takes part in building their own home and other Habitat homes and may include activities such as clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, working in the Habitat office, or other approved activities.
In addition, the partner family must also be willing to attend home buyer education classes.
All applicants must provide documentation of residency and eligibility to work in the United States.
One of the following documents is accepted as proof of both residency and eligibility:
If one of the above cannot be provided, one document from each category below is required:
Category 1 Category 2
To apply for A Habitat Home you must contact us:
Our staff will go through the entire homeowner program, answer any questions potential applicants may have, as well as dispel some of the myths about Habitat. At the end of each meeting, applications are distributed and reviewed in detail.
You must attend an Applicant Meeting in order to receive an application.
You must submit your application within 30 days after the meeting.
1. Fill out your application.
2. Make copies of any of the documents listed below that apply to your situation:
3. Complete eight hours of community service. This must be completed within 30 days of the application meeting you attend.
4. Schedule a meeting with the family services coordinator to review your application for completeness. This must be completed within 30 days of the application meeting you attend.
5. After your application is submitted, staff will do an initial review of your Need, Ability to Pay, and Willingness to Partner with Habitat. Staff will pull civil/criminal records, obtain your credit report and request a landlord reference.
6. If your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Family Selection Committee.
7. If your application passes the initial review, a home visit will be arranged.
The home visit consists of a tour of your current home and an interview of your family by two members of the Family Selection Committee. The purpose of the home visit is to discuss the Habitat housing program in further detail and gain further information on your family's current living conditions.
All heads of the household must participate and the entire family should be present.
After your home visit, your application is reviewed by the entire Family Selection Committee.
The committee reviews information submitted on the application form, financial documents and information obtained at the home visit to determine whether your application meets the program guidelines.
If approved, your application is forwarded to the Habitat Board of Directors for a final review and approval.
If the committee does not approve your application, you will be notified in writing with the reason for denial.
If approved by the Board of Directors, you will be contacted to set a date for an Acceptance Meeting.