Brown County Habitat for Humanity Homeowners

HOMEOWNER HOW TO....

Brown County Habitat is actively looking for "partner
families" who can show the need, can afford a mortgage,
and provide the "sweat equity" required to qualify as a
candidate for a future house. You must have an income,
you must be able to work and you must believe in the
principles of Habitat for Humanity. If you or someone you
know may qualify, contact us.

PO Box 260
Nashville, IN 47448-4926
Phone: 812-988-4926

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that partners
with families of all faiths to build simple, decent, and affordable houses. Habitat sells the
homes with a 0% interest loan and at no profit, which keeps the cost of the home low.
In order to qualify for a Habitat home, applicants must meet three criteria through an
application and interview process. The three criteria are:

Need for Housing
Ability to Pay
Willingness to Participate as a Partner with Habitat

You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and if
you are unable to obtain a home mortgage through conventional means. Lack of adequate
housing may include overcrowding, or problems with the current structure: water, electrical,
septic, etc. The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is
considered to determine need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your
financial situation with a Habitat interviewer. You must currently live in Brown County and
your and your family will be considered if your total family income falls within the approved
range. For example: In 2009, the range for a family of four is $22,000-$39,000.

Since you will actually be buying your house from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability
to pay the monthly mortgage payment. The monthly payment will include not only the
mortgage payment, but the payment for real estate taxes and insurance as well. Therefore,
a family will need to meet minimum requirements. (See the example: family of four above.)
Habitat does not want to jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial
obligations, and once your qualify, we will work with your to establish an affordable payment
plan and a workable family budget.

Once selected, you will become a "partner family" in Habitat. As such, you will be expected
to make a commitment to help advance the Habitat mission. Habitat is a Christian
organization, open to all faiths. We believe we are called to show Christ's love through our
actions, building homes as well as lives.

A partner family makes a commitment to provide at least 250 hours of "sweat equity" in
helping to build their own house as well as assisting with other Habitat projects.

A partner family will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of the Habitat House from
the time they move in.

A partner family will need to complete at least 8 hours of homeowner training classes
(provided by Habitat) which includes financial counseling and household maintenance
education.

APPLY FOR A HOME

NEED FOR HOUSING

WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE AS A PARTNER WITH HABITAT