Take the first step toward homeownership!

Thank you for your interest in our Homeownership Program!

Please note that we are currently not accepting new applications. We encourage you to review our program qualifications to better understand how you can qualify for a Habitat home when applications reopen.

 

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Qualifications

Your dream of affordable homeownership could be closer than you think! Please take the time to carefully review the full qualifications before completing your application.

Ready to apply? Click here!

To qualify, your gross annual household income (before taxes) must meet the following minimums:

  • $34,000 for urban and suburban areas
  • $30,000 for rural areas

If you are uncertain whether your income meets these guidelines, we encourage you to submit your application for us to review and make a determination.

Exterior

Watch the video below to learn how to qualify for Habitat’s homeownership program.

Please read the qualifications fully before completing the application.

Sweat Equity

Each adult will volunteer 200 hours with Habitat Monroe. 100 of these hours will be completed on the construction site.

Education

You will participate in a series of workshops hosted by Habitat for Humanity. Topics include home maintenance, personal finance, and budgeting. 

Savings

Save $1,000 by opening a savings account and contribute a minimum of $25/month.

Watch the video below to learn about the next steps you’ll take once you qualify.

Please read the qualifications fully before completing the application.

Habitat Homeownership FAQs

What are the credit requirements?

Even with less-than-perfect credit, you can still apply. Habitat will review your situation and let you know if any credit issues need to be addressed before proceeding. Judgments and liens should be paid, and you’ll be asked about any collections. While we don’t expect perfect credit, we do want to ensure you’re on the path to homeownership.

Most of my credit issues are due to medical bills. What steps can I take to address this?

We don’t overlook medical bills, as hospitals or doctors may have the ability to garnish your wages. However, Habitat can connect you with programs that help address and clear these collections, putting you on a better path toward homeownership.

How does bankruptcy affect my application?

The bankruptcy must have been discharged at least 4 years ago, and there should be no additional collections or judgments on your credit report since then.

Are the homes provided at no cost?

No, Habitat homes are sold to families in the Habitat Homeownership Program, who then make monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. The total monthly payment will not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.

How much is a monthly mortgage payment?

Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County offers affordable mortgage payments, no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. In many cases, the payments are actually well below that threshold, making homeownership more accessible.

How will I be notified if I am selected as a family partner? If I am not chosen, will I be informed of the reason why?

You will be notified by mail regarding the status of your application, whether it is approved or declined. If selected, our CEO/President, M. David Graves, will personally reach out to guide you through the program process. If your application is not selected, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons, along with helpful advice on how to improve your chances for future consideration. We strongly encourage you to address the identified issues and reapply when you’re ready.

Where does Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County build homes?

Home builds are located in multiple areas across Monroe County, offering a variety of locations to choose from. We aim to place homes in areas that are accessible and convenient for our homeowners, providing opportunities in both urban and suburban communities within the county.

What could cause me to be removed as a family partner?

Submitting false information or being untruthful on any part of the application can disqualify you from the program. Additionally, showing an unwillingness to fully engage in the partnership—such as not completing the required sweat equity hours or failing to prepare for the down payment—can also affect your eligibility. Furthermore, a significant loss of income that makes it difficult or impossible to make the monthly mortgage payments could impact your ability to move forward with homeownership through Habitat. We encourage all applicants to be honest, committed, and financially prepared to ensure a successful partnership.

Who selects the family partners?

M. David Graves, the CEO/President of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, reviews all applications to assess whether applicants meet the program’s requirements. The final approval is made by the Board of Directors, based on Grave’s recommendation.

At Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, we are dedicated to ensuring fair and equal treatment for all applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, disability, religion, marital status, or any income derived from public assistance.

All decisions are made in strict adherence to Equal Housing Laws, which Habitat fully upholds.

Do I have to be a resident of Monroe County to qualify?

No, being a current resident of Monroe County is not a requirement to qualify for a Habitat home in Monroe County. However, applicants must meet the program’s other eligibility criteria, including income requirements and a willingness to partner with Habitat through sweat equity and other responsibilities. We encourage all potential family partners to review the full qualifications and apply if they meet the necessary criteria, regardless of their current residency status.

Do you accept applications from the following groups: Families without children, unmarried couples, large families, or potential co-owners who are relatives (such as mother-grandmother, brother-sister, etc.)?

Yes, we accept applications from a variety of family structures, including:

  • Families without children
  • Unmarried couples
  • Large families
  • Potential co-owners who are relatives (such as mother-grandmother, brother-sister, etc.)

We believe in providing affordable homeownership opportunities to all qualifying individuals and families, regardless of household composition. Each application is reviewed based on the program’s eligibility criteria, ensuring that all applicants have the opportunity to be considered.

I have a child living with me who is 18 years old or older. Do they need to complete sweat equity?

If your child is 18 years or older and a full-time student, they are required to contribute 50 sweat equity hours as part of the program.

My children receive Social Security benefits. How does this impact my household income?

We consider all income that will be part of your household for three years or more. If any of this income is set to expire within the next three years, please provide a detailed explanation on a separate sheet, outlining how you plan to replace or supplement that income.

I have a boyfriend/girlfriend who will be living in the house but will not be a co-owner. How is this situation handled?

All household income, including that of the individual in question, must be included in the application. Additionally, they are required to complete the necessary sweat equity hours. However, they do not need to be listed as a co-owner of the home.

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