Own a Home
Criteria
Southeastern Steuben County Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes for low-income families who currently live in overcrowded or substandard housing. We will look at three distinct areas of selection criteria when reviewing potential “partner homeowner families.” These criteria are:
Need
You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and you are unable to obtain adequate housing through conventional means. Lack of inadequate housing may include problems with the present structure; heating system; or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the sex of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your home
The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need, and you will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat interviewer. You and your family will be considered if your total income is not over 56% of the Steuben County median family income using 2003 figures. Your income should be within the following guidelines:
Family Size |
Gross Annual Income ($) |
One |
32,100 |
Two |
36,650 |
Three |
41,250 |
Four |
45,850 |
Five |
49,500 |
Six |
53,150 |
Seven |
56,850 |
Eight |
60,500 |
Ability to Pay
Since you will actually be buying your home from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include not only the mortgage payment, but also the payment for real estate taxes and insurance. We will help you to determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility.
Willingness to Participate as a Habitat Partner
When selected, you become a “partner family” with Habitat. As a “partner family,” you must complete 50 hours of volunteer work with Habitat, which will count toward your total “sweat equity” contribution to be completed before signing your agreement (Letter of Intent) with Habitat outlining the details of house you will be buying. Your assistance in constructing your home and the homes of others is called “sweat equity,” and may include helping with construction or working on other Habitat efforts. As a partner family, you must complete a total of 500 hours of sweat equity. Your family can receive credit of up to 140 hours by applying the time put in on your behalf by friends and relatives who you bring to join in the work.
After moving into your house, the Family Support Team will maintain an on-going relationship with you. This includes financial counseling and house maintenance education. You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of your house from the time you move into your home.
How to Apply
To be considered as a partner homeowner family, contact SESC Habitat for Humanity at 607.936.4444 or habitatcorning@clarityconnect.com.
