HOME OWNERSHIP INFORMATION SESSIONS:  Lake Drive, Keswick, Build Project

Habitat York has purchased land to build two semi-detached homes in Keswick, ON.  We are now accepting registrations for Home Ownership Information Sessions for these two build projects.  Potential Partner Families are required to attend an Information Session to learn about the Habitat York home ownership program and to determine if they meet the criteria for Habitat home ownership.  Home Application packages will be distributed to attendees at the end of each session.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORMS IS: MONDAY APRIL 30, 2012.


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.  All prospective Habitat partner families are required to attend an Information Session to learn more about the Habitat approach to home ownership and to determine if you meet the criteria for Habitat home ownership.  Following the session, if you feel you do meet the necessary criteria, you will be given an applicaton package to complete.

The following is an overview of some of the criteria for home ownership; these points will be covered in greater detail in the Information session:

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:

Family Size &  Gross Annual Income

2     $29,036
3     $35,695
4     $43,339
5     $49,159
6     $55,437
7     $61,721

• 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 recommend 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, call the Habitat for Humanity York Region office at (905) 868-8722/866-638-7242.