Qualifications for Habitat's Homeownership Program

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The process of home ownership begins by submitting an application during an open application session. We generally accept applications for housing once per year. Applications are available on our website and at our office locations. If we are not accepting applications, please check back later. We will post on the website as soon as we have an application round scheduled.

After an applicant hands in a complete application for housing with required support documentation, the Partner Selection Committee begins by evaluating an applicant’s financial eligibility. This consists of reviewing income documentation and a credit report. Items that may detract from an applicant’s financial eligibility include outstanding collections, excessive debts, recent bankruptcy and any unpaid judgments or liens. The Committee is also looking for sufficient, stable income to ensure the applicant is ready for the financial responsibility of homeownership. If the applicant meets financial requirements, there may be a home visit conducted in person of by video link.  Here the Committee gathers information about the applicant’s need for housing and willingness to be an active partner with Habitat throughout the program. After the Partner Selection Committee evaluates all of the applicants' eligibility, it presents the most qualified applicants to the HHFH Board of Directors for approval. Selection is based on fairness and qualification. HHFH is an Equal Opportunity Lender.

If you plan to apply for Habitat’s Homeownership Program during the next application round, you can prepare by collecting your financial documents. Get a recent copy of your credit report and check to make sure the information is correct. You can get one free copy of your credit report each year at www.annualcreditreport.com  If you have outstanding negative credit items, you may want to develop a plan to address them with a credit counselor. 

Habitat for Humanity is not a quick housing solution. The application process takes between one and three months. If an applicant is accepted into the Homeownership Program, the process from acceptance through moving into a home can take from eight months to a year, depending on available funding, construction schedules and the future homeowner’s sweat equity progress.

Sweat Equity is the time and effort a future Habitat homeowner spends helping to build their own home and the homes of other future homeowners, along with providing other types of service hours that help move Habitat's homeownership program forward.  It is a central principle in Habitat’s mission of building community and partnering with households to provide “a hand up, NOT a handout.”  Providing the opportunity for our future homeowners to work alongside volunteers and future neighbors to build their homes is one of the most unique, empowering and rewarding aspects of Habitat for Humanity.

Hometown Habitat for Humanity does not offer home repair services at this time.