Habitat for Humanity
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What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is an independent non-profit faith-based organization that builds simple affordable houses for families in need of shelter. Habitat for Humanity sells these homes to families on a no profit basis, with a no interest mortgage. Habitat for Humanity uses mostly volunteer labor and donated materials. It does not accept government funds for home construction.
Families selected for Habitat homes become partners in the program. Families must contribute hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" to Habitat, working with other members of Habitat's volunteer workforce. After a family moves into its home, Habitat offers financial counseling, home maintenance education, and other support.
Am I eligible?
All Habitat for Humanity programs use three basic rules to select families for Habitat homes. Local programs can decide on specific income and affordability guidelines.
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Need - You must be in need of better housing:
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Your present housing must be inadequate. For example, the building isn't safe, the heating system doesn't work properly, you are overcrowded, or you are paying too high a percentage of your income for housing.
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Your income isn't high enough to pay for better housing, or you cannot get better housing for some other reason.
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Ability to Pay - You must have enough income to pay for a Habitat home, but not enough to qualify for a conventional mortgage:
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Your family's total income must fall within the income guidelines for your local Habitat program. For most Habitat programs, your family's income must be between 25% and 50% of the median family income, or between 30% and 60% of the median family income for your city or town.
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You must show that you can afford your housing payments along with all of your family's other expenses.
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Your homeownership costs (mortgage, real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance) should not be too high a percentage of your gross income. For many Habitat programs, homeownership costs cannot be greater than 30% of income.
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Willingness to Partner - You must be willing to volunteer hundreds of hours of your time to help Habitat:
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The usual requirement is from 300 to 500 hours of work for each Habitat family. You may help build your house, do office work, serve on committees, make lunches for construction workers, or find other ways to help Habitat.
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You must be willing to take care of your home once you move in. You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs.
What benefits will I get?
Families chosen for Habitat homes get these benefits:
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Habitat will sell you a simple well-built house at no profit.
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Habitat will give you a 15 to 30-year mortgage at zero interest.
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After you move into your home, Habitat will remain your partner and give you financial counseling, house maintenance education, and other help if you need it.
How do I apply?
To apply for a Habitat home, call the Habitat for Humanity program in your area. For contact information:
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Habitat for Humanity
Information about the U.S. Habitat for Humanity program, including:
Habitat for Humanity section last updated on 4/22/10
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