Habitat considers three factors when determining if an individual or family qualifies for Habitat assistance. The ultimate goal of our organization is to assure that all families have a stable, secure living environment.
1) Need
When considering need, we look at the current living situation to determine if the applicant is currently living in an insecure housing situation. This can include structural damage, lack of space, sections of disrepair, unsafe living environments, insecure neighborhoods, inefficient utilities, or any other number of issues that may result in a lack of secure living for an individual or family.
2) Ability to Pay
Given that many of our applicants have found themselves in insecure housing situations due to financial constraints, we aim to assure that our applicants are able to afford their monthly payments in a Habitat mortgage. In evaluating whether an applicant possesses the ability to pay, we look at a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, credit history, current income, current monthly expenses, and financial literacy. We are willing to work with applicants to help them improve their current standing to help them become better prepared to taking on the responsibility of owning a home.
3) Willingness to Partner
Seeing that Habitat depends on sweat equity and putting applicants in positions to succeed, we consider the willingness of applicants to be partner families with our organization as part of the application. Without a commitment to complete sweat equity and a desire to be affiliated with Habitat, applicants are unable to advance.
