What happens at the application meeting?
At the application meeting volunteers and staff outline the program and selection process. You complete a written
application and provide required documents, such as income verification, W2’s, etc. Family Services Committee Members conduct an initial review of the application and ask for any further information
you will be required to provide.
How does the selection process work?
The
Family Services Committee will evaluate your financial eligibility. This consists of obtaining references, verification
forms, and a credit report to learn about your credit situation.
Close attention is paid to outstanding collections, debts, and any unpaid judgments (judgments must be satisfied
before the family can purchase a home).
The Committee
is looking for you to show adequate, reliable income to be sure you are ready for the financial responsibility of home ownership.
If you meet income and financial requirements, there
will be a home visit. During this visit, the Committee is looking for your need for housing and your willingness to
be an active partner with Habitat throughout the program.
The
Family Services Committee then determines your eligibility and presents selected families to the Board of Directors for approval
and acceptance.
What if my credit report shows outstanding collections,
debt, bankruptcies, judgments, or liens?
NO ONE who applies for a home through Habitat for Humanity has perfect
credit. We consider your whole picture and look for applicants who are ready to accept the responsibility of home ownership.
At the same time, we do not want to put you in a
home that you cannot afford or in a situation where you cannot be a successful home owner.
If you have poor credit, you may be asked to clean up your payment history before moving forward in the home ownership
process.
What can I do to prepare for applying?
You are highly encouraged to develop a plan of action to resolve outstanding credit issues. If you would like to get a head start, you can begin to clean up your credit report or seek free financial counseling
through the Consumer Credit Counseling program at 1-888-511-2227.
How long does the process take?
The process
from application to moving into the home generally takes most families a year to complete. Some have been able to move in
as little as 6 months – others 24 months.
After you have attended an application meeting it takes two to three months to go through the selection process.
Once approved for the program you begin earning your
Sweat Equity hours by contributing to the construction on others’ homes and saving for closing costs. You will
also be required to participate in budget counseling and home maintenance classes. This stage usually takes anywhere from
4 to 12 months to complete. Following completion of the sweat equity hours and other requirements, you
will be ready to move into your own new home.
What does “need for housing” mean?
“Need for housing” can mean a few different things. If the Family Services Committee determines any of
these apply, you meet this requirement.
Substandard Housing: Has issues that create health
and/or safety problems (mold, unsafe neighborhood, poor heating or plumbing, etc.), or too few bedrooms for the number, ages,
and gender of household members.
Temporary Housing: Temporary living arrangements or transitional/subsidized housing.
Housing
that is too expensive: 30% or more of the income is being spent for housing costs.
An example of expensive
housing costs: If your gross monthly income is $2,000.00, you should be spending no more than $600.00 on rent AND utilities
for your home.
What is
Sweat Equity?
Sweat Equity is the time and effort you contribute toward the purchase of your home through the
construction of others’ homes as well as your own. It is a central principle in Habitat’s mission of building
community and partnering with families to provide “not a hand-out, but a hand-UP!” Following approval of the Family Services Committee, you must complete the required number of sweat equity hours,
but more important than the number of hours, is your consistent, active participation on the jobsite. In fact, most
families far exceed the minimum required numbers of hours (100 hours per adult on the construction site*, 225 total hours
PER ADULT).
*Unless there is a physical reason to prohibit a person from working on site What if I don’t know anything about construction?
We do not require any previous skills
or knowledge, in fact, 85% of our volunteers have no previous construction experience! Sweat equity is an exciting learning
experience during which you work with your family, friends, and community to build other peoples' homes as well as your
own. Working alongside volunteers and future neighbors to build your home and community is one of the most unique, empowering,
and rewarding aspects of Habitat for Humanity.
If I’m denied, can I reapply?
Absolutely!
The Family Services Committee does their best to refer you to the tools and resources available to help you improve your situation.
Some of our home owner
families were denied the first time they applied due to outstanding collections and debts, income below our limits, recent
bankruptcies, or other issues. They successfully improved their eligibility, reapplied, and were accepted into the program!
What
does a typical Habitat home include?
Most homes are roughly 1,000-1,500 square feet (this is determined based
on the size of your family and your need for space – we will NOT build more than your family NEEDS).
Everything
in the home will be new including, but not limited to:
- Fire walls, plumbing,
electrical work, heating/cooling systems, windows, insulation
- All kitchen appliances will be included in your
home, such as:
Stove with hood and fan, refrigerator, and your choice of washer and dryer OR dishwasher - Every
bedroom will have a ceiling fan.
You will be able to select your own blinds, carpet and vinyl flooring.
In SOME construction homes, you
may also be able to select your shutters, outside vinyl siding and shingles.
check back to see pictures of Habitat
for Humanity homes in York County
