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Applicant Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for God's people in need.
Q: Why is building affordable housing important?
Many families cannot afford paying very high rent for a poor quality home.
Q: Who benefits from Habitat's work?
Children are allowed to live and play in safe neighborhoods and grow into all God intended.
Families take pride in their homes and neighborhoods and develop positive relationships within their community.
Schools will benefit from the stability of children staying in the same school.
Employers benefit by enabling homeowners to work and recreate in the same area in which they live.
Q: What are the criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner?
Must meet the income guidelines (see Homeowner Application page).
There must be a need for decent and affordable housing;
Must be able to make monthly mortgage payments that include taxes and insurance;
Must be willing to partner with Habitat by volunteering at least 250 hours (sweat equity) helping to build their home and other Habitat houses, as well as attend homeownership and budgeting classes.
Q: Does applying for a Habitat home cost anything?
It will cost you $15.00 to process your application. Also, at the time of closing, a down payment of $750.00 will be required.
Q: How will my credit score affect my application?
Although we do look closely at your report, our program has lower credit guidelines than many other agencies and businesses. We will work with you and/or refer you to someone who can help you get your credit reestablished.
Q: What happens after my credit is pulled?
Your file is given to a member of our family selection committee. They review your data and inform us if you're a good candidate for the Habitat program. We will then invite you to an orientation.
Q: What is orientation?
A meeting is set up between you and the family selection member who has your file. You will be asked to bring utility bills, bank statements, paystubs etc. to determine if your finances will allow you to afford a monthly mortgage. Currently, our mortgages are running between $550 and $650 per month.
Q: What happens when I'm picked for the Habitat program?
You will be assigned a mentor who will guide you throughout the entire process up until a year after you move in. They will monitor your monthly sweat equity hours and answer any questions you may have.
Q: When can I start my sweat equity hours?
You may begin your sweat equity hours as soon as you are notified that you've been accepted into the program. Call our office and let us know what days you can work. You must do 10 hours a month until a house is assigned, 20 hours a month after assignment.
Q: How long does the process take?
The entire process from application to house dedication takes between 18 and 24 months.
Q: What days do you build?
We build on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We also have several "blitz builds" each summer. A blitz build means building a home from foundation to under roof in one week. Prospective homeowners are expected to participate at the job sites.
Q: How do I obtain an application?
Click here to go to the Homeowner Application page, or uou may obtain an application by contacting our office at:
Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley
245 N. Graham Street
Allentown, PA 18109-2191
610-776-7737
cindy@HabitatLehighValley.org
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