• Must be a Camden County resident for at least one year.

All monies raised for our mission is done in Camden County.  Therefore our priority is to help strengthen Camden County by eliminating sub-standard housing.

• Must have an income.

It is a loan—a no-profit, no-interest loan.  So the applicants must be able to afford a mortgage and the other expenses associated with homeownership.  For example:  utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance expenses and any current debt the applicant may have.

• Must have a need.

Current shelter has a structural problem such as heating/ cooling system, water supply, electricity, bathroom(s), kitchen structure, etc.  Or the current shelter has an inadequate number of bedrooms as determined by number, ages, and sex of household members.  Or the current shelter is temporary (living with friends, relatives).

• Must have a willingness to partner.

This is shown through an applicant’s willingness to accept these responsibilities: Disclosure of personal financial situation, including employment history, household income and current debt burden. Completion of Habitat Application for a Home (available, before an orientation, when builds are planned). “Sweat Equity” contributions in the amount of 300 hours per adult in the home on their home and other Habitat projects. Initial down payment of $500. Payment of property taxes and insurance in addition to mortgage payments.

Cost

Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Mortgage length is for 20 to 30 years (depending on the financial situation of the selected family). The approximate price range of our homes will be between $60,000 and $70,000. A monthly payment for a mortgage (including taxes and insurance) on $60,000 is approximately $400.

Application Process

We have an orientation twice a year.  Throughout the year you can call the office at 673-1266 to have your name placed on the orientation list.  Approximately a month before the orientation a packet of information will be sent out.  This information must be filled out and brought with the applicant at the orientation.  Once all applications are in, Family Selection will review the files based on income eligibility and need.  Then an in-depth interview of the applicant household will be conducted. The process will include income verification, a credit check, and personal visits and interviews by team members.

Non-Discrimination Statement

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.