What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization building homes with people who qualify. New homes are sold in exchange for 400 hours of "sweat equity" and the cost of building the home. A 3 bedroom house costs about $375.00 per month. Habitat sells the houses and charges zero interest on the loans. Habitat reinvests mortgage payments to build more houses. Habitat of Louisville currently builds in the California, Parkland, Portland, Russell and Smoketown neighborhoods.
Do I Qualify to Buy a Habitat for Humanity House?
You may be eligible if you meet Habitat's 3 basic guidelines (Need, Ability to Pay,
and Willingness to Partner) and you can answer "yes" to all of the following statements:
I have Need:
- The housing I live in is at least one of the following:
- overcrowded
- poorly maintained (substandard)
- in a dangerous neighborhood
- I do not have a place of my own (I live with family or friends)
- I spend more than 50% of my gross income on rent & utilities (water, gas
and electric only)
- Fall within the annual income guidelines listed below
| Family Size |
Minimum Income |
Maximum Income |
| 1 Person |
$12,350 |
$24,725 |
| 2 People |
$14,100 |
$28,275 |
| 3 People |
$15,900 |
$31,800 |
| 4 People |
$17,650 |
$35,325 |
| 5 People |
$19,050 |
$38,140 |
| 6 People |
$20,450 |
$40,990 |
| 7 People |
$21,900 |
$43,800 |
| 8 People |
$23,300 |
$46,625 |
* Guidelines are for July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Income guidelines change every year.
I have the ability to pay:
- I owe less than $3,000 in total debt (or I owe less than $5,000 in total debt and a majority of it is for a car loan, student loans or medical bills and I have a clean credit history).
- I have not declared bankruptcy in the last 18 months.
- I pay my rent on time.
- I have a stable income for the past year.
I am willing to partner with Habitat:
- I am willing to be a partner with Habitat and put in 400 hours of "sweat equity" first working on other families' homes, then building my own home. I will also attend budget classes and monthly homeowner workshops.
What would I be required to do if I were approved?
- Work 400 hours of "Sweat Equity" - first help build other families' homes, then help build your own home.
- Attend budgeting classes and monthly homeowner workshops
- Pay closing costs of $1,300.
- Debt MUST NOT INCREASE while in the program
- Pay a monthly mortgage payment of about $375 for 20 years.
What do I need to do if I am interested in applying for a home?
- If you answered yes to all of the statements above (or if you are not sure), then please click on the Questionnaire link below. Print the Questionnaire, fill it out, then mail or fax it to the address on the Questionnaire.
After we review your completed Questionnaire, we will contact you about whether or not you should fill out a full application based on your answers on the Questionnaire.
Click Here To Download The Questionnaire
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