Habitat for Humanity Opens Homeownership Application Window

Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties is pleased to share that their Homeownership Application window will be open between September 15 and October 31, 2024. While Habitat is known for building homes, many are not aware of the entire process. Habitat Homeownership begins with the application process and offers an opportunity for qualified individuals and families to purchase and own simple, quality, affordable homes.  Prospective homeowners apply to become “Partners” of Habitat for Humanity; they work with Habitat to build the home, and then they assume a 0% interest mortgage when the home is complete. People who complete their applications during the Sept. 15-Oct. 31, 2024 period will be considered for a 2025 HFHMSCO build.

Each Partner or Partner Family is chosen by the HFHMSCO Selection Committee which consists of the Qualified Loan Officers and select board members. In addition to verifying an applicant’s need and willingness to partner with Habitat, the committee assesses their readiness to assume a mortgage.  Committee and potential homeowner meet and complete a home visit. Prospective Partners are then required to complete up to 400 hours of “sweat equity;” volunteer service that includes helping to build their own home, working in the Habitat Activity Center or ReStore, and taking financial courses and credit counseling.  When the home is complete the Partners become first-time home buyers!

Each home is sponsored by generous donations from local companies.  The labor is completed by partner contractors in addition to dedicated professional volunteers with the help of community members and the home buyers themselves.

Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to call home. Interested Homeownership applicants will be considered when the following qualifications have been met: they have a qualifying need such as overcrowding, safety concerns, or excessive rent; they must pass a sex offender background check; reside in or be employed in Miami or Shelby County; maintain a consistent income for 12 months; and have an ability to pay the mortgage (income between 30%-80% of the median household income of their county and a debt to income ratio of no more than 43%). Applicants will be required to provide certain documentation as proof of qualification. To request an application, please contact HFHMSCO at 937-332-3763.