Apply for a Home

  

First , Habitat is an equal opportunity builder and lender.  Our program is available to people of all races, genders, faiths or sexual orientation.

Second,  Habitat homes are NOT free.  Habitat SELLS homes to families using a zero percent interest MORTGAGE.  The money from which is cycled back through the program to build more homes.

Third , Habitat homeowners invest time in the process.  It will take most families 12 to 18 months from the time they apply to the time they move into their home.  The process may be longer if land or funds are not readily available.

Fourth , home ownership requires the ability to save and spend wisely.  Habitat homeowners pay a $500 down payment and must obtain 1 year’s homeowner’s insurance (approximately $500) before moving into their new home.  There may be other costs such as utility billing set up or change fees.

Fifth , you just have to start!  Then be patient and follow through with the process.  It will be more than worth it!

To Get started click here to complete the Home Interest Form     

What is the Process?

Families who participate in the Habitat program are known as Partner Families .  To become a Partner Family you will begin by completing a Housing Interest Form .  The form will be processed by Habitat and families that may qualify as Partners will be contacted to attend an orientation meeting.

After orientation potential Partner Families must complete a Housing Application Form.  This form includes detailed information regarding the family’s needs, income and ability to pay.  A Habitat staff member or volunteer will be available to assist you with this process.

Once the form has been submitted Applicants go through an extensive screening which includes a interview, home visit, credit and employment verification. This process can take several months.

Once Partner Families have been accepted into the program the fun begins!  While it typically takes 12 to 18 months before a family moves in to their new home, there is a lot to do during that time.  Before being assigned a “build”, Partner Families must:

Perform 200 hours of Sweat Equity which includes
*Free family money management classes
*Free home maintenance classes
*80 hours working in the Habitat ReStore
*Up to 80 hours Sweat Equity performed by friends and family
*Other approved SE hours such as working on other Habitat build sites, in the Habitat Offices or educational programs

Save money for
*$500 down payment
*Homeowners insurance (approximately $500)
*Moving expenses such as utility change or setup fees, lease cancellation fees and address change charges

Once a Partner Family is assigned a home build they:
*Attend the ground-breaking ceremony
*Help build their home!  They will be on site and working with volunteers throughout the building process
*Be available for media interviews regarding their experience with Habitat
*Be center stage for the home dedication and presentation of the keys to their new home

There is no time like the present to get started.

Click here to fill out the Home Interest Form
or
call 217-359-0507 ext 1066
or
Write to:
Habitat for Humanity
Housing Interest Form Request
PO Box 1162
Champaign, IL 61824

Who Qualifies for a Habitat Home?

Habitat is focused on providing the life changing opportunity of home ownership to hardworking families who simply cannot qualify through traditional methods.  Our homeowners can make the payments of $500-$600 per month for a home, but cannot afford the 20% down payment required by most lenders.  They also cannot afford the interest on a 20 or 30 year mortgage.

Habitat Partner Families don’t need to be perfect.  After all, who is?  They do need to show they pay their bills, have corrected or are correcting past mistakes and are working for a better life.  

Habitat Partner Families are evaluated on four basic criteria
*Housing Need
*Ability to Pay
*Willingness to Partner

Housing Need  due to
*Unsafe environment
*Severely overcrowded space
*Temporary housing
*Housing cost is too high for income
*Inability to qualify for homeownership through other options

Ability to Pay
*$500–$600 for monthly house payment (includes principal, taxes, and insurance)
*Have steady work history and income
*Ability to save $500 for a down payment
*Ability to  save approximately $500 for 1st year homeowner’s insurance
*Have no currently or pending defaults, unpaid judgments or liens
*Have been out of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for at least one year
*Have been out of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for a lest two years

Willingness to Partner with Habitat
*Perform Sweat Equity or “hands-on” labor.
*Particpate in free Educational Programs such household budgeting and maintenance
*Accept the design of our homes and live in the neighborhoods which have donated land
*Be a positive representative of Habitat at all times  
*Contribute to public awareness about Habitat for Humanity

Other things to know:
*To really understand our program you will need to complete the Housing Interest Form and attend the orientation
*Preference is given to families who have lived or worked in Champaign County for at least one year
*If a family leaves the program for any reason after performing Sweat Equity there is no compensation for the hours performed
*There are no guarantees for a home as builds are based on availability of land, materials, donations and volunteers

2010 Maximum Income Guidelines

Family Size (Adults & Children)	Minimum Monthly Gross Income (Before taxes & other deductions)	Maximum Monthly Gross Income (Before taxes & other deductions)
1	$1,667	$2,275
2	$1,667	$2,600
3	$1,667	$2,925
4	$1,667	$3,242
5	$1,754	$3,508
6	$1,883	$3,767
7	$2,013	$4,025
8	$2,142	$4,283

There is no time like the present to get started.

Click here to fill out the Housing Interest Form
or
Call 217-359-0507 ext 1066
or
Write to:
Habitat for Humanity
Housing Interest Form Request
PO Box 1162
Champaign, IL 61824