Here are the basic guidelines followed in qualifying families who obtain housing with us:

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 system, heating systems or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the sex of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your present home.

The percent 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. You must currently live in Mifflin County.

You and your family will be considered if your gross income is between $10,000 and $20,000 per two persons per year. Adjustments are made according to the family size. If your income is within this range, you may be considered to become a Habitat partner.

Ability to Pay
Since you will be actually buying your home from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include not only the mortgage payment but the real estate taxes and 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 if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility. There is no interest on the loan for a Habitat home.

Willingness to Participate as a Partner with Habitat
When selected, you become a “partner family” in the Habitat movement. To become a “partner family”, you must complete the required number of 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 other is called “sweat equity” and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, providing food for volunteer or working in the Habitat office. As a partner family, you must complete the required number of hours of sweat equity. Your family can receive up to 25% of the hours by applying time put in on your behalf by friends and relatives who join in the work.

You will be responsible for the 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 ongoing relationship with you… this includes financial counseling and household maintenance education.