Family Selection Guidelines

1.) Current shelter has problems with heating, water, electricity, bathroom(s), kitchen, structure, environmental hazards, etc.

2.) Overcrowded conditions determined by number of persons, age, and sex of family members.

3.) Unable to obtain a conventional or government assisted loan.

4.) Excessive amount of income spent on housing.

5.) Special needs of a family member that cannot be met in current living circumstances.

1.) Family has a reliable source of income.

2.) Family demonstrates the financial resources and ability to pay the monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) on a regular basis.  Home ownership must not threaten household income or the ability to continue payments of monthly household expenses and/or current debt.

3.) Family has a history of responsible payment of debt.

4.) Family income must fall between 25% and 50% of the median income for the  area. (See Family Income Guidelines).  This is for total family income. Exceptions may be made for exceptional need.

5.) The combined total of the monthly mortgage payment and all monthly debt payments should not be greater than 36% of the family’s gross monthly income.  Exceptions in severe case of need.

1.) Family must be willing and able to contribute 500 hours of volunteer labor, or "sweat equity", to build your home, other Habitat homes, or perform other Habitat work.

2.) Whenever classes are made available, family is willing to attend our family support classes, which include financial counseling, home maintenance and repair.

3.) Family is willing to receive home visits and interviews from family selection committee members and media representatives for publicity purposes. 

4.) As Habitat home owners, each family recognizes its own important and ongoing role, and, within its own reasonable capacity, is therefore willing to be a visible advocate for Habitat for Humanity, helping others achieve home ownership by volunteering their time and continuing the circle of “a hand up”.