Prospective Home Owners
There are many myths and misconceptions about how Habitat builds homes and who receives them. For example, did you know that Habitat homeowners pay a monthly mortgage payment based on their income?
Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent, affordable homes for approved families. Prospective Habitat families are required to meet certain criteria. If you satisfy the following criteria, you may complete and submit an application form.
Criteria:
• Your present living conditions do not meet your family's needs. Your home may be too costly, in poor shape, unhealthy, unsafe, too small etc.
• You have a reliable income, but are unable to afford or obtain a conventional mortgage.
• Your family's combined income level is below the following Low Income Cut-Off Levels:
|
2008 - 09 Minimum Income
|
Family Size
|
2008 - 09 Maximum Income
|
|
$21,685
|
2
|
$29,399
|
|
$21,685
|
3
|
$36,143
|
|
$26,452
|
4
|
$43,882
|
|
$29,805
|
5
|
$49,772
|
|
$33,192
|
6
|
$56,133
|
|
$36,437
|
7
|
$62,496
|
• You are willing to work at least 500 hours (sweat equity) on the building of your own house, or on other Habitat houses or Habitat-related activities.
• Your family has lived in York Region or Bradford West Gwillimbury for at least the previous year, or worked in this region for at least the past three years.
• All mortgage applicants are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
• None of the applicants in your family have been in bankruptcy during the past three years.
• All applicants are willing to submit to credit and criminal reference checks.
• You are able to provide references from three non-related people who know you well. The references will re commend your willingness to partner with Habitat, repay your mortgage and maintain the home. Additional references will be required from your employer, landlord and bank.
When your application is received at the Habitat office, it will be reviewed by the Family Selection Committee. If selected, each family will be required to complete “Sweat Equity” which is volunteer hours contributed towards the building of their house and other Habitat activities.
For more information and/or to request an application form, call the Habitat for Humanity York Region office at (905) 868-8722.