How Habitat Selects Families For Home Ownership
Applicants for Hancock County Habitat for Humanity houses must show a need for better housing and be able to make monthly payments. Before applicants are accepted into our program, two members of the Family Selection Committee will visit them in their homes. All of our Habitat houses are located in Hancock County.
Need . . .
You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure: water, electrical, or sewage service systems; heating systems; or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages, and the sex of chidren compared to the number of bedrooms in your home.
The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat interviewer.
Income . . .
To be selected for a Habitat house, a family should have enough income to pay the taxes, utilities, insurance and upkeep costs as well as the no-interest mortgage payments. The yearly minimum income required is 30% and not over 50% of the Hancock County median family income using HUD figures. Families who earn enough to qualify for a home loan (mortgage) from a bank are not qualified for a Habitat house. The most a family can earn and still be approved for a Habitat house increases with the size of the family.
Ability to Pay . . .
Since you will actually be buying your home from Habitat with an interest-free mortgage provided by Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to make the monthly payment. This payment will include an amount for mortgage payment and also for real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. We will help you to determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility.
Willingness to Partner . . .
When selected, you become a "partner family" with Habitat. To become a "partner family" you must complete 500 hours of volunteer work with Habitat, which will count toward your total "sweat equity" contribution to be completed before becoming a homeowner. Your assistance in constructing your home and the homes of others is called "sweat equity", and may include helping to clear a lot, painting, helping with construction or providing food for volunteers. As a partner family, you must complete 200 hours of sweat equity. Your family can receive credit of up to 300 hours by applying time put in on your behalf by friends and relatives who join in the work.
You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of your house from the time you move into your home.
After moving into your home, the Family Support committee will maintain an on-going relationship with you. This includes financial counseling and household maintenance and operation education.
If you are in need or know someone in need of simple, decent housing, contact us. We are ready to help those who are willing to help themselves.
For
an application please call: (207) 667-8484
or email hchh@downeast.net
Copyright
© 2003-2004 Hancock County Habitat for Humanity. All rights reserved.
Art
work: "Houses" by Emily Muir
Design by RLS
Web Design
Web
space donated by Downeast.Net of Ellsworth, Maine
the home of EllsworthMe.Com and
FindMaine.Com
Own
a Home