Selected families commit to complete 250 hours of “sweat equity,” a reasonable down payment, personal finance classes, educational classes and pay monthly mortgage payments.

Qualified applicants must:

• Be a resident of Monroe County for the 12 month period before you apply
• Have a stable income
• Demonstrate a need for adequate housing. For example, overcrowding, substandard housing, subsidized housing or unsafe housing.

Qualifications (Need)

• You will be considered for Habitat homeownership if where you live now is not adequate or if you cannot obtain housing by other means.
Inadequate housing may include problems with: too small for your family size, deficient heating, roof, water, or electrical; other safety issues or high monthly costs in maintaining your family in this housing, or you are living with other family members in a "doubled up" situation.
• Your current debt (what money you owe to others) and what you currently spend on your housing is considered.  Your financial situation must be honestly and fully discussed with the Habitat interviewer.
• Your total annual family income should be between these amounts:

  Year 2011 Guidelines
  One	$34,000	$35,840
  Two	$34,000	$40,960
  Three	$34,000	$46,080
  Four	$34,000	$51,120
  Five	$34,000	$55,280
  Six	$34,000	$69,360
  Seven	$34,000	$63,440

  ^{*Gross menas before deductions}
   

Qualifications (Ability to Pay)

Since you will actually buy your home from Habitat, you must show your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. You will have an affordable monthly payment.

Habitat looks at all sources of income as well as how long you have had this income (for example, how long you have been at a job or received child support). Habitat also obtains a credit report on applicants, although we do not expect perfect credit.

Habitat accepts applications from Section 8 participants.
 
 
Qualifications (Willingness to Partner with  Habitat)

When selected, you become a partner with Habitat. This means you must complete 250 hours per adult of volunteer work, called sweat equity, with Habitat, which must be completed before owning the home. Sweat equity may include: clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, volunteering at Habitat functions, learning how to budget your finances, and learning construction and maintenance techniques for your new home. Classes will be scheduled that you will be required to attend.

• You will make a $1000 down-payment before you move into your home.
• You will be responsible for maintanence and repairs of your house from the time you move in and sign the mortgage.
• You must be willing to accept assistance from a volunteer mentor through the preparation and building process.

 
You must have been a resident of Monroe County for the 12 month period before you apply.