About Home Ownership
Can I still apply if I live on my own and do not have a family?
Yes. West Bay and Northern RI Habitat is an equal opportunity, fair housing provider with broad definitions for family.
Who decides if my family is eligible?
A committee of volunteers from the community will review your application, usually with input from Rhode Island Housing regarding financial qualifications, to determine if you meet the criteria. The selection committee will submit recommendations for final approval by the Board of Directors.
Do I have to be a Christian to qualify for a Habitat house?
Habitat is a Christian organization, but we do not require applicants to have any or any particular religious affiliation. Habitat is an equal opportunity, fair housing provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, family status, disability, ethnicity, religion, or any other basis protected by state or federal law in its selection process.
Once I submit my application how long does it take to process?
If all required information and documentation has been submitted, you will receive written notification of the committee’s decision as soon as possible after receipt by Habitat of your complete application. The process can take a number of months to complete.
If my application is denied can I reapply?
You may reapply at any time in the future.
Once my family is accepted, what is the next step?
Once your Family has been selected they will attend an orientation that will explain all the steps required in the process of becoming a Habitat Homeowner. Additionally, your family will be introduced to your Family Support Partner, a Habitat representative who will be your family’s primary source of support and information during the transition to homeownership. The “Family Support Partner” will introduce your family to other Habitat Partner Families, help them to understand the Habitat program, and get them started in earning their sweat equity hours.
How long will it take before I will be living in my house?
Many factors contribute to the length of construction time required to complete a house so there are no guarantees as to when a house will be ready for occupancy. Under normal circumstances, it can take anywhere from 8-10 months.
Can I choose where I want to live?
We only accept applications for current projects, consequently if the location of the current project does not meet your geographic preference you are free not to apply for that house. You can wait, if you choose, for us to build in an area more to your liking. However, Habitat can only build where we are able to obtain suitable projects. We cannot guarantee that we will have property available in the area in which you wish to live.
What can I do to earn my sweat equity hours?
Two thirds of your hours must be completed at a Habitat construction site. The remaining hours can be earned onsite, or, with Habitat’s approval, working at fundraisers, doing office work, working at ReStore, or on other Habitat sponsored projects. The Executive Director and/or the Family Selection Committee has the authority to modify the locations and types of Sweat Equity served to accommodate extraordinary affiliate or Partner Family circumstances.
How can I help build a house if I don’t know anything about construction?
Most Habitat homeowners and volunteers have never built a house before. Habitat’s construction staff and skilled volunteers will teach you what to do and will supervise the work.
Do I have any other obligation to Habitat once I complete my sweat equity, other than the responsibilities of homeownership?
You are expected to continue to partner with Habitat as agreed. You will also need a down payment of 1% of the purchase price and closing costs at the time of purchase.
What type of houses does Habitat build?
Habitat builds simple, decent, affordable homes. The style of the home is determined by a number of factors including zoning regulations, lot size and neighborhood considerations. A typical three-bedroom home has approximately 1100 square feet of living space.
What is the average cost of a mortgage?
The average cost of a mortgage is between $700-$900 a month including taxes and insurance. There is no interest or very low interest on the mortgage so the payment is principle, taxes and insurance.
What other expenses will I have to pay?
Transitioning from a renter to a home owner is difficult. If you have been renting, sometimes your heat, water, electricity and cable are included in your rent. When you are a home owner, you will be paying these expenses out of your own pocket. This is something to consider if you are looking to become a homeowner. Cell phones, heat, hot water, electric,taxes, insurance, cable and internet are some of things you will be paying for. Also keep in mind that property taxes and insurance tend to increase with inflation. Property Maintenance and upkeep are also things to take into consideration.
Becoming a home owner is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are a lot of responsibilities that you ordinary wouldn't have if you were renting.
About Volunteering
Do I have to register with Habitat for Humanity West Bay and Northern Rhode Island prior to going to the job site?
Yes, please register online. Online registration is important since we do not hold volunteer orientation meetings.
Do I have to stay on site all day?
We prefer to have volunteers stay all day, but it's not required. If you are unable to stay all day, let your site lead know as soon as you check in. If you have special circumstances you may contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
Do I have to be there at 8:30am when you begin?
We prefer that you arrive by 8:30am if at all possible. When we start in the morning your construction lead will conduct a safety talk and hand out job assignments.
What should I leave at home?
Jewelry (it can get damaged or lost easily), children under the age of 16, and pets.
Do I have to have previous construction experience?
No. There are skilled individuals on site who will lead you in construction tasks.
Do you have ways that I can volunteer besides helping at the construction site?
Yes, we have a tremendous need for volunteers, since we are an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Everything that we do to keep the organization going and building homes generates from time and effort contributed by people like you, who want to help. We need help with fundraising, event planning, volunteer management, newsletters, communications, publicity, site selection, family selection and family partnering, website administration, church relations, procuring food donations for the construction site, and much, much more.
What if I still have questions?
Please contact us via email or via phone @ (401) 732-6407.
Yes, please register online. Online registration is important since we do not hold volunteer orientation meetings.
Do I have to stay on site all day?
We prefer to have volunteers stay all day, but it's not required. If you are unable to stay all day, let your site lead know as soon as you check in. If you have special circumstances you may contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
Do I have to be there at 8:30am when you begin?
We prefer that you arrive by 8:30am if at all possible. When we start in the morning your construction lead will conduct a safety talk and hand out job assignments.
What should I leave at home?
Jewelry (it can get damaged or lost easily), children under the age of 16, and pets.
Do I have to have previous construction experience?
No. There are skilled individuals on site who will lead you in construction tasks.
Do you have ways that I can volunteer besides helping at the construction site?
Yes, we have a tremendous need for volunteers, since we are an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Everything that we do to keep the organization going and building homes generates from time and effort contributed by people like you, who want to help. We need help with fundraising, event planning, volunteer management, newsletters, communications, publicity, site selection, family selection and family partnering, website administration, church relations, procuring food donations for the construction site, and much, much more.
What if I still have questions?
Please contact us via email or via phone @ (401) 732-6407.