Apply for a Home

Step 1: Obtain an application ONLY during the Application Meetings.
Step 2: Return completed signed application with the government monitor form and credit report fee by the application deadline.  You will also need to submit all necessary Proof of Income.  Include four most recent check stubs if employed and proof of all other forms of normal monthly income received.
Step 3: Attend Habitat Home Buyer Course. Classes introduce you to Habitat, our history, philosophy and ministry so you can determine if  you are interested in our program. Classes also cover how families are selected and what is expected of them, suggestions for managing debt and credit problems, explanation of financial criteria, restrictions on re-selling or renting Habitat  homes, the meaning of "Sweat Equity" and its importance and your rights under Fair Credit and Equal Opportunity Housing Laws.
Step 4: Attend Habitat Financial Review.
Step 5: Submit all required financial and other information by deadline you are given at Financial Review.
Step 6: Evaluation of application by Habitat Family Selection personnel.
Step 7: Home visit of applicant's current home by Habitat Family Selection Personnel.
Step 8: Final Review: Denial or Approval

Criteria for Selection:

You must have a NEED FOR HOUSING and be unable to obtain conventional financing due to limited income.
You must have enough income to REPAY THE HABITAT MORTGAGE and your monthly living expenses, and you must have an acceptable credit history.
You must be WILLING TO PARTNER with Habitat which includes working at least 350 hours to help in building Habitat homes. Families can apply credit hours (time put in by friends and family on their behalf).
You must be a legal resident of the United States. Some residency requirements applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How long does it take to get a home?
   The application process takes 3 to 5 months. If you are approved, you must work on your sweat equity for approximately one year before your house is built.
   
2. What about my credit?
   If you have had problems with your credit in the past we recommend you begin working on repairing your credit 6 to 8 months before you apply. Contact an agency such as Consumer Credit Counseling Services for FREE counseling advice.
   
3. Where does Habitat build?
   Habitat builds homes on lots we own. The current land inventory is in the municipalities of Baton Rouge, Plaquemine, Port Allen, White Castle, Zachary and Gonzales.

Eligible Income:

Habitat accepts all sources of legal, steady, documented income including (but not limited to) wages (earned income), Earned Income Credit, Child Support, Social Security, SSI, Disability, Food Stamps, TANF, AFDC. Income from all adult members of the household MUST be reported even if person is not a co-applicant.

Approximate Monthly Gross (Before Taxes) Ascension, East/West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana and Livingston Parishes
Family Size	Income At Least	No More Than
One	$941	$1,918
Two	$1,076	$2,192
Three	$1,210	$2,466
Four	$1,345	$2,740
Five	$1,453	$2,960
Six	$1,560	$3,179
Seven	$1,668	$3,398
Eight	$1,776	$3,617

Approximate Monthly Gross (Before Taxes) Iberville Parish
Family Size	Income At Least	No More Than
One	$729	$1,485
Two	$833	$1,697
Three	$937	$1,909
Four	$1,041	$2,122
Five	$1,125	$2,291
Six	$1,280	$2,461
Seven	$1,291	$2,631
Eight	$1,375	$2,801

Note: Income ranges are adjusted annually and are used as guidelines only. Final eligibility will be determined during the application process. Use all sources of income to calculate your monthly income - includes wages, child support, earned income credit, Social Security, SSI, Disability, TANF and AFDC.

To compute monthly income: If you are paid every other week, multiply your gross (before tax) wage by 26 and then divide by 12. If you are paid every week, multiply by 52 and divide by 12. If you are paid twice a month, multiply by 2.

Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity housing lender.