Application OrientationLancaster County

March 2010

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What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to selling affordable houses to qualified applicant families.

Photo by Kim MacDonald

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You can buy a house!

Habitat for Humanity provides: An affordable house – Habitat for

Humanity makes no profit. An affordable mortgage - Habitat for

Humanity charges 0% interest. Solid, reliable program – building homes

in Lancaster County since 1986.

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Joys More success in school for kids,

personal space and decorating choices!

Responsibilities Paying the mortgage on time, mowing

the lawn, shoveling snow, changing light bulbs and the batteries in fire alarms, more bills to pay!

Owning a home means…

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How does Habitat for Humanity select families?

Application Process includes: Submit completed application and

paperwork Credit check Home visit Violent offender registry check

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Ability to pay

Must have sustainable income Debt must not be excessive No liens or judgments No back Child Support payments Consistent payment history with rent Ability to make applicable down

payment and closing costs 3 years since

Bankruptcies/Foreclosures

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Ability to payAmount of your debt

How much money do you owe? School loans Car loans Bank credit cards Store credit cards or accounts Utility bills Medical bills

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Must live in Lancaster County for 1 year before applying

If employed, working with same company for at least 6 months

Must be a Permanent Resident or US Citizen

Entire household must live in this County

Ability to payResidency Requirements

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Ability to payIncome Eligibility

Maximum Income per household1 person $37,8002 people $43,1003 people $48,6004 people $53,9005 people $58,2006 people $62,500

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Current Projects

South West Lancaster City19 homes on Fairview Ave.

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Current Project Income Guidelines

Fairview Build Taxes and Homeowner Ins. - $410 per month Principal payment – $400 per month Homeowner’s Association – $70 per month

Minimum income is $33,000 for this project.

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Current ProjectIncome Guidelines

Ephrata Build Duplex in larger mixed income neighborhood Taxes and Homeowner Ins. - $300 per month Principal payment – $400 per month Homeowner’s Association – $20 per month

Minimum income is $27,000 for this project.

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Need for Housing criteria:

Overcrowded living conditions. Substandard living conditions. Paying more than 30% of monthly

gross income for housing expenses. Denied a traditional mortgage. Currently living in public housing, or

Sec 8.

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Willingness to partner criteria

Returns application complete and on time Returns phone calls promptly Agrees to complete 500 hours of sweat equity Agrees to save toward 1% down payment Agrees to attend homeowner workshops Creates safe environments for neighbors.

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Partnership is a key part of Habitat for Humanity

Many individuals, groups, churches, companies and local organizations support and participate in Habitat for Humanity.

Homeowners are participants.

EVERYONE is considered a partner.

Thousands of students partner with Habitat through Collegiate Challenge, an alternative Spring break program.

Photo by Kim MacDonald

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Homeowners’ sweat equity

Our affiliate requires families to complete 500 sweat-equity hours: Construction Workshops Office mailings Interviews

Minimum of 16 hours a month Family members or friends

can help with this requirement.

Photos by Trevor Kobrin, Kim MacDonald and Neal Gallagher

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Required workshops for homeowners

Match Savings Account with Tabor CS (budgeting and financial planning)

Home Maintenance Zoning and Permits Being a Good Neighbor Understanding Your Settlement

Paperwork

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Steps of partnership for the homeowner

Complete the Application process (60-90 days). Acceptance by Board of Directors. Orientation for program. Sweat equity hours are completed (6 mos – 2

yrs). Home is built with your partnership. Move In and Settlement on home.

Average time frame – 1 to 2 years

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Typical financial obligations to buy a Habitat for Humanity houseBefore home purchase:

Approximately 1% of sales price ~$1,500

After home purchase: Monthly mortgage payments, includes

principal, taxes, and insurance: Principal amount for 20-30 years (~$400) Taxes and insurance vary each year

Payments: ~ $700-1,000

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House selling price

Estimated costs for a home sold for $140,000:

Over 20 years, this equals a monthly principal payment of $584 + taxes and insurance.

Over 30 years, this equals a monthly principal payment of $389 + taxes and insurance

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Please know that…

Some families apply 2 or 3 times before they become eligible.

We WANT to work with you. If you are not accepted the first time, please return to our office at a later date and apply again!

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Do you understand the requirements and criteria for homeownership?

Do you understand what Habitat for Humanity will offer?

Any Questions?

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How to apply

Return application by April 30, 2010

Applications are available here or in our office at 443 Fairview

Ave., Lancaster

Contact: Deborah717-392-8836 x 208

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Wait to hear from us…

Make sure we can reach you by telephone!

If your contact information changes, please let us know.

Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity

Thank you for your time!

443 Fairview Ave.

Lancaster, PA 17603

www.lancasterhabitat.org

717-392-8836 x 208