Application Process

The application process takes approximately 60-90 days from the date Habitat receives your completed application. A completed application contains all documentation requested in step two. The application process is listed below. Applications are only available at Application Meetings, which are held four times per year.

Step One:

Attend a Homeowner Applicant Meeting. Our staff will go through the entire homeowner program, answer any questions potential applicants may have, as well as dispel some of the myths about Habitat. At the end of each meeting, applications are distributed to all in attendance and the application form is reviewed in detail. (NOTE: you must attend an Applicant Meeting in order to receive an application). You will have about a month to submit your application after the meeting.

Step Two:

Fill out your application and copy any of the documents listed below that apply to your situation:
•    Federal Income tax returns (form 1040) for the past two years you filed
•    Current pay stubs (last two pay periods)
•    Current bank statements (checking and savings)
•    Current benefit statements (SSI, SSDI, Food Share, Section 8 Housing, etc…)
•    Child support court order and payment history for the past two years
•    Name, address and Phone number of your current landlord
•    Proof of residency and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Complete eight hours of community service. This must be done as part of the application process and completed within 30 days of the application meeting you attend.

Step Three:

Schedule a meeting with habitat staff to review your application for completeness. The meeting must be scheduled and completed within 30 days of the application meeting you attend.

Step Four:

After your application is submitted, staff will do an initial review of your Need, Ability to Pay, and Willingness to Partner with Habitat. Staff will pull civil/criminal records, obtain your credit report and request a landlord reference.

Step Five:

If your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Family Selection Committee. If your application passes the initial review, a home visit will be arranged. All heads of the household must participate and the entire family should be present. The home visit consists of a tour of your home and interview by two members of the Family Selection Committee. The purpose of the home visit is to discuss the Habitat housing program in further detail and gain further information on your family's current living conditions.

Step Six:

After your home visit, your application is reviewed by the entire Family Selection Committee. Your application is reviewed based on need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay. The committee reviews information submitted on the application form, financial documents and information obtained at the home visit to determine whether your application meets the program guidelines. If approved, your application is forwarded to the Habitat Board of Directors for a final review and approval. If the committee does not approve your application, you will be notified in writing with the reason for denial.

Step Seven:

If approved by the Habitat Board of Directors, you will be contacted to set a date for an Acceptance Letter Meeting. A Family Advocate will be assigned to you and will attend the meeting with you. At the Acceptance Letter Meeting the Family Services Coordinator will go over the guidelines of the program, the Volunteer Coordinator will discuss volunteer opportunities for your “sweat equity hours” and the Construction Coordinator will discuss your house options.