How the Program Works

Thank you for your interest in obtaining a Habitat for Humanity home. Since 1976, we have helped 9.8 million individuals and families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. If you or someone you know finds themselves facing barriers to opportunity due to inadequate living conditions, we may be able to help.

At Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that one in four households in the U.S. pays more than 30 percent of their income for housing and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food or clothing.So, we have spent the past 30 years partnering with those who want to build better lives for themselves. We know, and have seen the data, that people thrive physically, mentally and financially when their home environment improves.

If you support our mission and now find yourself asking how you too can become a Habitat homeowner, please review the qualifications below. From both our perspective and yours, this process is a significant investment in people who can shape what is possible. Habitat homeownership is a foundation for a brighter future.

Our homes are zero to low interest rate mortgages on the home only. Habitat maintains ownership of the land and has right of first refusal should you decide to sell. This helps us keep affordable homes available to others in need in an environment of little inventory. The average cost of a mortgage is between $1,000-$1,200 per month and includes the taxes and insurance. Because it is a zero to low interest rate, most of the mortgage is principle, taxes and insurance. There may be additional expenses such as association fees, sewer assessments, etc, that you may have to pay.

See if You Qualify for a Home

To be eligible to apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident and cannot already own a home.
If you answer yes to all three questions below, you may qualify to own a Habitat home.

Do You Have a Need for a Home?

MUST MEET AT LEAST ONE CONDITION.

Occupy unsafe, unhealthy housing or housing adaptable for disabled persons.
Occupy overcrowded housing: 3+ people or 2 opposite sex children living in one bedroom.
Live in transient housing: living in a shelter, with family or friends, etc.
Pay excessive housing expenses.

Do You Meet Our Income Guidelines?

MUST MEET ALL CONDITIONS.

Have a minimum income of at least $25,000 per year.
Have income not more than 60-80% of AMI for your household size (the minimum income increases slightly for each additional household member beyond one).
Show proof of 12 months of steady income (all lawful sources of income counted).
Show existing long-term debt less than or equal to 38% - 43% of gross monthly income.
Demonstrate reliability in paying rent, utilities and other bills.
Possess solid credit history with satisfactory payment of debts.
Have the ability to save between $2500-3000 for closing cost.

Will You Partner with Habitat?

MUST MEET ALL CONDITIONS.

Complete application package and participate in the application process.
Attend a mandatory First Time Homeowner class
Perform 300 sweat equity volunteer hours.
Accept available properties and home design plans.
Prepare for responsibilities of homeownership.
Pass a criminal background and sex offender check

The Process

What it takes to become a Habitat homeowner

Preparing to own a Habitat home is a lot of hard work, but we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Here’s what to expect:

Request an Application

Applicants must request an application packet from us by calling (401)-732-6407. At this time our application pipeline is full.

Applicant submits all required documents, including the Homeowners Application attach a $25 cashiers check or money order made payable to Habitat West Bay & Northern RI. This helps to offset the cost of doing credit, criminal and sex offender background checks. This fee in non refundable.
We will send verification forms to applicant’s landlord, employer, housing commission, etc., as applicable.
The entire application will undergo a careful review to ensure the applicant meets all of the Homebuyer Selection Criteria.
We will analyze an applicant’s income and credit report.
Applicant will be notified if the application was accepted for further processing or denied.
This process may take up to 3 months as we are an all volunteer board. We meet once a month on the second Wednesday of every month.

If the applicant meets the financial requirements, the applicant will be scheduled for a home interview.
During the home interview, two members of our Family Selection Committee meets with the applicant for additional analysis. This committee recommends applicants who qualify for the Homeownership Program to our Board of Directors.
If the Board of Directors accepts the committee’s recommendation, an acceptance letter will be mailed to applicant, inviting them to formally participate in our Homeownership Program. If the application is denied, a denial letter will be sent to applicant.
We stress that if you are declined, it does not mean we don't want you. We encourage you to reapply. There may be several reasons for denial including a family that may be in greater need.

Habitat for Humanity supports equal housing opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful source of income.

Once accepted into the program, what’s next?

The Partner Family will be matched to a Family Support Partner. This person is familiar with Habitat and will help with questions and problems, be supportive, and serve as an advocate. This partnership starts when the Partner Family is selected and lasts through the first six months of home occupancy.
Each adult applicant must work a minimum of 12 hours per month of sweat equity on their home and other projects we are working on to include events that we are planning. 2/3 of the Partner Family's sweat equity should be completed at the build site. Failure to compete minimum monthly sweat equity requirements can result in dismissal from the program.
You will be required to take and complete a Homebuyer Education Workshop. Once you complete the course please send a copy of your completed certificate to Habitat West Bay or your family partner. The hours it takes to complete the class are counted toward your sweat equity. Locate a class
At the discretion of the Partner Family, we may help you save $2,000-$3,000 for closing costs and escrow. Sometimes it's easier to save money little by little than by coming up with a chunk all at once. It will also help you to transition from renting to homeownership.

A certificate of Occupancy is issued at time of closing. It can take up to 15 months to complete the program requirements and move into a Habitat home.
All legal documents are signed, closing costs are paid and mortgage terms are finalized. The monthly mortgage payment depends on the tax rate in the area, the value of the home, maintenance and insurance escrows, and other various fees.

There will be a home dedication with participation with the Partner Family, volunteers and supporters. There will be prayers, presentations and refreshments. The home will be open so that those who have helped in its construction and other supporters may see the completed project.

Partner Families will keep their homes and yards well maintained to encourage community resources to supply the resources necessary for Habitat West Bay to build more homes for people in need.
Partners will pay their mortgage on time
Partners will participate in making their community the best it can be
Partners are encouraged to continue supporting and staying involved with Habitat for Humanity by promoting Habitat programs, projects and educating other about the mission

For more information

Call (401) 732-6407 or

Email Us