Apply
for help
From renting
to home ownership.
Home ownership.
An affordable home with an affordable mortgage.
Do I qualify?
Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program is based on the concept of partnership. Our commitment to that partnership is to build or renovate simple, decent homes and sell them to qualified working families at below-market prices. By working with us from beginning to end, Housatonic Habitat helps prospective individuals prepare for the various responsibilities of owning a home, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance and upkeep of homes, and much more.
Applicants will be evaluated for eligibility in three key areas:
YOUR
NEED
Your current living situation is inadequate for your family, and you have a need for an affordable home.
You don’t qualify for a conventional mortgage for a market-priced home.
ABILITY
TO PAY
You have a stable income, and enough income to pay a monthly mortgage, including taxes, insurance, and utilities, and other expenses related to owning a home.
You are deemed “credit-worthy.” We will evaluate your current debt and other living expenses compared to your income.
(If you are taking steps to repair any credit problems, we will take that into consideration.)
WILLINGNESS TO
PARTNER
Habitat families are required to partner with us and complete 250 hours of "Sweat Equity" prior to purchasing their home.
Completion of a financial literacy home ownership courses is required, as well as other various service requirements.
Ready to take the first step?
If you think you qualify and are ready to take the next step toward homeownership with Habitat, please complete this quick “pre-screen” and we will send you instructions on how to proceed with the selection process. Our formal application is for those who meet income guidelines and will require you to write a personal statement of need, as well as provide financial documents.
Do I qualify?
Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program is based on the concept of partnership. Our commitment to that partnership is to build or renovate simple, decent homes and sell them to qualified working families at below-market prices. By working with us from beginning to end, Housatonic Habitat helps prospective individuals prepare for the various responsibilities of owning a home, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance and upkeep of homes, and much more.
Applicants will be evaluated for eligibility in three key areas:
YOUR
NEED
ABILITY
TO PAY
WILLINGNESS TO
PARTNER
Ready to take the first step?
If you think you qualify and are ready to take the next step toward homeownership with Habitat, please complete this quick “pre-screen” and we will send you instructions on how to proceed with the selection process. Our formal application is for those who meet income guidelines and will require you to write a personal statement of need, as well as provide financial documents.
Selection Process
The Selection Process might take 2-3 months before a decision is reached. Here’s why:
All applications are reviewed by our Family Selection team to check for missing information. If your application is incomplete, you will be asked to provide the missing information.
All completed applications go to credit reviewers, who check that your income does not exceed the maximum allowable, but is also adequate to pay our affordable mortgage.
If you are income-eligible and credit-worthy to qualify for a Housatonic Habitat home, trained interviewers will meet with your family to evaluate your housing need and your ability to partner.
During every step of this process, we follow all Fair Housing Law and standard Habitat procedures. We do not discriminate, and we do business in accordance with Federal and Connecticut Fair Lending Laws.
Housatonic Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital or familial status, or because all or part of income is derived from any public assistance program that will produce income for the long term.
Partnership Phase
If you are selected, you will be assigned a volunteer Family Partner. Your Family Partner is your go-to person from the time you sign your letter of agreement through the first year of home ownership.
Your Family Partner will track your family’s sweat equity hours, answer questions, and be your liaison with Housatonic Habitat. During your partnership phase, you will help build your home. You will also be required to attend and participate in a series of pre-purchase workshops, financial literacy classes, and may need to also attend one or two of our post-purchase workshops.
These help you prepare to be a successful homeowner – and include sessions such as financial planning and budgeting classes, to home maintenance, and care. We want to make sure your family has the know-how and confidence to start your future from the day you put the key in the door of your new home.
We do not accept or reply to emailed questions about a submitted application.