Do you qualify for a Habitat home?

There are basically three qualifications for homeownership: Need, ability to pay and willingness to partner. If you meet these guidelines, you are potentially eligible for a Habitat home.

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• I have lived in Muscogee County for a year or more.

• I have had the same job or source of verifiable income for 6 months or more.

• My current home is extremely overcrowded, in poor condition, in an unsafe environment or too costly.

• My household income is within the income guidelines.

• I am willing to make a cash down payment.

• I am willing to live on a lot provided by Habitat.

• I am able and willing to work and contribute the required “sweat equity hours.”

• I will partner with Habitat's staff, volunteers and donors throughout the process to become a homeowner.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply for a home and how are families chosen?

The first step in applying is to stop by our office located at 3520 River Road Columbus, GA, and pick up an application or click on the homeowner application below. The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to partner with CAHFH and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Every affiliate follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing homeowner families.

 

What are “sweat equity” hours?

“Sweat equity” hours are hours worked by the partner family assisting with construction of other Habitat homes, as well as construction of their own home. “Sweat Equity” hours include a Homeowner Academy with training on finances, home repair, homeownership, and community responsibility.

 

When can I move in?

Families usually move into their homes within a year to two years from the date they applied. This depends on how quickly families can complete their home ownership requirements.

 

How many people will get chosen for a home?

There is no set number of homes that we build each year. The selection depends on how many applicants we have and homes we have available.

 

What is expected of a homeowner?

Habitat families are expected to reflect the willingness to partner that has made this program successful all over the world. Your responsibility doesn’t stop after you move in. Homeowners are expected to become active members of the Habitat for Humanity community.

 

Does it matter what my credit scores are?

Both your employment and credit history will be considered when you apply. Still, there are many factors we consider when making a selection, so it is best to always complete an application just in case you may meet qualifications.

 

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