Homeownership

Homeownership

 

Habitat for Humanity is a homeownership program that empowers families to build a new life for themselves through the stability and security of owning their own home.  Habitat homes are sold to families who qualify, who are willing to make a down payment, who put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity labor, and who can make a monthly mortgage payment.  Habitat homes are affordable because Habitat does not make a profit, the homes are sold with a no-interest loan, and the homes are built by volunteers.  There have been 40 families in Thurston County, as well as thousands of volunteers, who can attest to the success of this program!

Are you interested in owning a Habitat home?

The following information will provide you with an understanding of how to qualify and apply for homeownership through South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity.  Qualified families who are selected become partners with Habitat in building their home and in supporting the mission of South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity.

Before you can apply for a home you must attend a homeowner orientation.  Orientations are held at our Affiliate office the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6:00pm- 7:00pm.  This is a time to make sure Habitat and all applicants are on the same page.  Please call the office to be placed on our list.  (360) 956-3456, ext. 5

Are you eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply, a family must demonstrate they:

  • live or work in Thurston County
  • have a need to change their current housing situation (housing they live in is in poor condition, too small for their family, beyond their means, in a neighborhood not conducive to raising children, etc.)
  • are willing to participate in Habitat’s building and community outreach activities (also known as “sweat equity”) and
  • have a steady income and the ability to make regular monthly mortgage payments, while still falling between 30% – 60% of the Area Median Income (see below)

The following chart is the most recent guideline used to determine financial eligibility.  Income can be from your job, from social security or permanent disability payments, from regular child support payments, and from food stamps.  It is important to fall within these guidelines for two reasons:  1) for the lower number you need to have this minimal income in order to make the house payments each month and still have enough left over to handle the rest of your expenses and 2) above the upper income limit you begin to be eligible for other programs.

Number of

Family Members

Gross Monthly Rate

      Minimum

        Maximum

1

$1,313

$2,625

2

$1,500

$3,000

3

$1,688

$3,375

4

$1,875

$3,750

5

$2,025

$4,050

6

$2,175

$4,350