Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes with and for families, couples and individuals in need of housing.

No! The families with whom we partner pay an affordable mortgage for their home.

Habitat families are working families living or working within our service area for at least one year, whose income falls between 30-80% of the area median income as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (based on US census statistics). Every family completes an extensive application.
Families are selected based on three criteria: the need for shelter, willingness to partner, and the ability to pay an affordable mortgage.

NEED FOR SHELTER
The need for adequate shelter is measured by the condition of the family’s current housing, including the structural safety, integrity, and mechanical function of the home. Also considered is the size of the living quarters, whether the situation is temporary, the cost of housing, and the family’s income.

ABILITY TO PAY AN AFFORDABLE MORTGAGE
We determine that a family has sufficient income if 30% of their income can go towards the mortgage and escrow payment. In determining the family's ability to pay, we do a full financial profile, including the family’s debt-to-income ratio, monthly payment consistency, credit score, and history of bankruptcy, liens, and judgments.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER
The following factors are used to determine whether families are willing to partner with Habitat. Habitat will consider whether the family:
Participated in pre-screening contact and engaged in a home visit.
Attend Habitat functions.
Provided necessary documentation and references.
Expressed a desire to make this community their permanent home.
Is comfortable with credit and reference evaluations.
Recognizes the responsibility of homeownership.
Realizes that Habitat needs active partners.