homeownership

Our Families

How are families selected?

The Greene County Habitat family selection process is based on several strict criteria that are outlined in board policy.  Families are selected based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.  

Once a partner family is selected and the partnership agreement signed they begin work toward homeownership.  This work we call “sweat equity” and means that families work in construction of homes, take classes on homeownership and financial responsibility, contribute time to community projects, and learn what it means to be part of the Habitat family. Each homeowner is partnered with a community mentor to help them navigate the process and ensure success.

Download the Brochure

Download the Brochure

Click here to download the 2024 Homeownership Information brochure here. See below for all the information included.

Get Started Now!

Get Started Now!

Be on your way to homeownership! Add your name to our waiting list by emailing us from the form at the bottom of the page.

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What draws people to Habitat is not necessarily the building of the house but the importance of the house in building a community.

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DO YOU HAVE A NEED?

You have an actual need for a Habitat home if your current housing is:

  • Substandard
  • Problems with heat, water, electricity,
    or structure
  • Insufficient
  • Lacking enough bedrooms for the number of persons in the household
  • Dangerous
  • Located in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
  • Inadequate
  • Not suited for a family member who has a limitation
  • Temporary
  • Transitional housing, public housing
  • Overburdened
  • Rent and/or housing costs exceed 30% of overall household income 

ARE YOU WILLING TO BE A PARTNER?

You can show willingness to partner with Greene County Habitat for Humanity by:

  • Completing the application on time and with all the requested information.
  • Willing to live in your new home in Greene County, once it is built.
  • Agreeing to work the required number of sweat equity hours, including workshops,meetings, and participating in houseconstruction.
  • Demonstrating that your family is ready forowning and maintaining a home and yard.

Sweat equity

  • Sweat equity is a partner family's way
    to demonstrate their commitment to thepartnership to build their new home.
  • 250 hours of sweat equity is required forthe first applicant and an additional 50 hours for those 18 years old or older inthe household.

CAN YOU AFFORD A HABITAT HOME?

You are able to pay if:

  • Your income will not stop or decrease by owning a home and is stable over time.
  • Your income will allow you to make a down payment of $1,600.
  • Your income and debt will allow you to afford a monthly no-interest mortgage.
  • Your credit report and current debts show satisfactory payment history.
  • Your income does not qualify you for other homeownership programs.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for an application, you must:

  • Live or work in Greene County for at least the previous twelve (12) months and must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have a total household income that falls within the range shown on the 2023 Income Guidelines for Homeownership.
  • Have a stable income as evidenced by income from the same primary source in approximately the same or increasing amounts for at least the previous twelve (12) months.
  • The applicant(s) must not have declared or discharged a bankruptcy in the previous twenty-four (24) months or have any open judgments or liens.
FAQs

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Pre-applications Survey available by clicking here from January 1 through January 31

Step 2: Eligible pre-applicants notified and invited to complete full application

Step 3: Complete Application and turn in all required documents

Step 4: Phone Interview

Step 5: Home Visits

Step 6: GCHFH Board approval of accepted partner families

Step 7: Notification letters mailed

Step 8: Your Journey Begins

GREENE COUNTRY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 2023 INCOME GUIDELINES FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

Family Number 60% of Median Weekly Income Monthly Income

1 person

$32,640

$523-627

$2,266-2,720

2 persons

$37,320

$598-717

$2,591-3,110

3 persons

$42,000

$598-807

$2,591-3,500

4 persons

$46,620

$598-896

$2,591-3,885

5 persons

$50,400

$598-969

$2,591-4,200

6 persons

$54,120

$598-1,040

$2,591-4,510

7 persons

$57,840

$598-1,112

$2,591-4,820

8 persons

$61,560

$598-1,183

$2,591-5,130

Greene Country Median Family Income FY2023 – $90,100

Frequently Asked Questions

The qualifications listed in the brochure are for acceptance into the program. It is very important to complete the pre-application and then, if invited, the full application and provide all of the requested supporting documentation to the Habitat office. Many times, people disqualify themselves from the program when they could actually work with Habitat to qualify. 

The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to partner with GCHFH and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Every affiliate follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing homeowner families. 

“Sweat equity” hours are hours worked by the partner family assisting with construction of other Habitat homes, as well as construction of their own home. “Sweat Equity” hours include a Homeowner Academy with training on finances, home repair, homeownership, and community responsibility. 

Families usually move into their homes within a year and a half to two years from the date they applied. Much depends on how quickly families can complete their home ownership requirements. 

There is no set number of families that are selected. We usually construct and sell four to six homes each year. 

Habitat families are expected to reflect the willingness to partner that has made this program successful all over the world. Your responsibility doesn’t stop after you move in. Homeowners are expected to become active members of the Habitat for Humanity community. 

Both your employment and credit history will be considered when you apply. Still, there are many factors we consider when making selectins for partner families, so it is best to always complete an application just in case you may meet qualifications. Before you complete the application get your free annual credit report here: www.annualcreditreport.com. 

Currently, we do not have a program that does home renovations. However, if you are able to make renovations yourself, you may find some of the products you need at a lower cost in our Habitat ReStore. 

Click Here to download Frequently Asked Questions.

Ready for Homeownership?

To learn more about Homeownership with Greene County Habitat for Humanity, or add your name to our waiting list, please email us on the form below or call our office at (706) 920-1133.

 

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