Families - Qualifications

Applicants must live or work in Montgomery County.

All interested applicants are required to attend an applicant orientation session where they will receive more information and details about the Habitat Homeownership Program application process.


Homeownership Program Applicant Process:

About
© Steven Hacker To be eligible for a home with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, PA, applicants need to either live or work in Montgomery County. Applicants are interviewed by the Family Selection Committee and then must be approved by the Board of Directors to become a "Partner Family".

The selection criteria used for Family Selection include:

  1. Need for Housing
  2. Ability to Pay
  3. Willingness to Partner


NEED FOR HOUSING:

Need for housing can encompass a variety of scenarios; from inadequate housing (problems with the present structure, plumbing, electrical, heating or sewage systems) to overcrowding to paying more than 40% of your income to your housing expenses. A home visit is a part of the selection process.

ABILITY TO PAY:

The committee utilizes a variety of financial information to determine whether applicants have the resources necessary to purchase a home from Habitat. Applicants will be required to openly and fully discuss their financial situation with a committee member. Habitat seeks to ensure the success of our homeowners; homeowners need to pay their monthly mortgage and still have money to live.

To be eligible for a Habitat home the applicant's income must fall between a minimum income requirement and 60% of the median income for Montgomery County (see chart below).

In the decision process Habitat requires proof of income, current credit reports, and documented payment history. A debt to income ratio and calculation of typical monthly expenditures will also be analyzed to determine the applicant's ability to pay a monthly mortgage.

INCOME GUIDELINE CHART- Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, PA

Household Size 30% of Median or
Minimum Income		 60% of Median Median Income
One Person $22,000 $32,940 $54,900
Two Persons $22,000 $37,620 $62,700
Three Persons $22,000 $42,300 $70,500
Four Persons $23,500 $46,980 $78,300
Five Persons $25,400 $50,760 $84,600
Six Persons $27,300 $54,540 $90,900
Seven Persons $29,150 $58,260 $97,200
Eight Persons $31,050 $62,040 $103,400

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER:

When receiving a home through Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County the applicant becomes a "Partner Family"; this partnership requires a commitment from the applicant / family. The Partner Family must be willing to provide documentation as requested.

What sets Habitat apart from other homeownership programs is our requirement of "Sweat Equity". Sweat equity is time spent in construction of the applicants or another Habitat home.

Sweat equity

  • allows the family to "take pride and ownership" of the home.
  • reduces the amount of paid labor needed, lowering the cost of the home.
  • builds new, supportive relationships with a diverse group of people.
  • provides "hands-one" experience with essential building and home maintenance skills.

There are a minimum number of hours required to be completed on the construction site and an additional number for participation in the Cornerstone Home Maintenance Workshops. There are also a limited number of non-construction hours available for the applicant to participate in Habitat sponsored events or other activities as approved by the Family Services Coordinator.