Selecting and Partnering with Families

The partner family selection committee is made up of 12 community volunteers who follow procedures to insure that selections are non-discriminatory and fair. Habitat believes that homeownership is the first step towards helping people to break the cycle of poverty. Selection is based on the creed of offering “a hand up” not “a handout,” thereby helping families in need to help themselves.

The process begins with an orientation meeting (held in February and September) for all those interested in being selected for a Habitat house. Requirements and process for selection are discussed as well as house types and locations. Application forms are handed out and discussed in detail.

There are three requirements to qualify for a Habitat house. The applicant must currently be living in substandard housing, have an income within 30 to 50 percent of the median county income based on family size, and be willing to partner with Habitat which includes helping build the house.

Completed applications, W-2 forms, and income tax returns submitted by prospective applicants are reviewed. The committee also obtains credit checks, criminal checks, and employer and landlord references.

The selection committee makes a visit to the family in their current home and then invites them to come before the entire committee. Final recommendations are then made to the Board of Directors which also interviews each family before final approval.

Houses are not given away. The selected family will make a $550 down payment and is required to make monthly mortgage payments of approximately $425 - $475 per month (including taxes and insurance) with a 25-year, no-interest loan from Habitat. These houses currently cost approximately $95,000 to build, but are valued at more than $140,000 and are sold to the buyers at no profit to Habitat.

Since 1989, not one partner family has defaulted on their obligation.