Family Selection Criteria
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry financed through private donations and utilizing volunteer labor and family sweat equity. Our purpose is to build houses and occasionally remodel houses for families and then sell the house at a no profit and no interest loan to families who could not otherwise afford a home. A family is selected using the three basic criteria set forth below. Please read the following items to see if you have an interest in our ministry and to see if you meet our general guidelines.
1. NEED FOR ADEQUATE SHELTER
You must have a housing need to qualify. Some examples are: no indoor plumbing, poor heating, leaks in the roof, overcrowding (three to a bedroom), high rent and high utilities in relation to income, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, living I temporary housing:
You are unable to obtain a conventional or government-assisted mortgage loan:
Your annual family income falls somewhere within the following ranges:
One person $ 10,200-21,400 Five persons $20,150-35,250
Two persons $ 11,250-23,750 Six persons $21,300-37,150
Three persons $ 12,650-28,550 Seven persons $22,400-41,000
Four persons $ 14,050-29,900 Eight persons $23,550-42,900
2. ABILITY TO PAY FOR A HABITAT HOME
You must have a steady stable source of income which would allow you to pay back the loan. Debt-to-income ratio will be evaluated, to determine if you are able to pay for a habitat home. Our house payments are generally around $300-$450 per month including taxes and insurance.
You must be able to pay a cash down payment equal to the first year’s insurance and tax payment prior to moving into your home. This amount is usually ($750-$1000) and may be paid in installments while your home is under construction.
You must have a satisfactory credit history and references. Evidence of ability to pay any and all bad debts and financial judgements must exist. You may be disqualified if you have any financial judgments.
3. WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER WITH HABITAT
You must be willing to put a required amount of time and effort (sweat-equity) in the construction of your home and those of others. The actual number of hours will vary and its determined by the committee based on the number of workers in your family and the nature of the project. (Generally, 250 hours per adult and 50 for children 14-18).
You must be willing to maintain your home both inside and outside upon occupancy—Maintain safe-sanitary conditions. Maintain a neat, clean, and respectable neighborhood.
You will be required to attend budgeting classes and home maintenance classes.
Be law abiding citizens.
4. FAMILIES NOT INITIALLLY ACCEPTED MAY REAPPLY