Partner Family Process

Working families in need of a decent, affordable home and motivated to work to become homeowners are encouraged to apply. Three distinct areas are considered when reviewing potential “Partner Families” as first-time homeowners:

1. Family currently pays more than 30% of income for housing and is unable to find an affordable alternative.
2. Family currently lives in housing which is overcrowded or in Substandard condition.
3. Family has reliable yearly income above 30% and below 80% of the median income set by HUD guidelines according to family size.

Ability to Pay
Families must demonstrate the ability to make a down payment of $500, pay a monthly mortgage payment – including taxes and insurance (about $500-$700 per month) – and afford to pay monthly utility bills and other expenses.
Willingness to Partner
Partner families should be honest and cooperative in the partnership with Habitat. They must contribute a minimum of 200 volunteer hours of sweat equity and maintain the house after moving in.
Residency
To qualify to become a Habitat partner, families must live or have worked in St. Joseph County MI for the last 12 months and be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident card.
We do not eliminate applicants or discriminate because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, family status, ethnicity, national origin, or public assistance as a source of income.

Download
Partner Family
Application

Why a house?

At Habitat the house is not the end... it's the means.  The end is a successful family in a thriving and healthy community.  We believe that one of the best ways to get that family to success and that community to thrive is by having our fellow neighbors, those we share our community with all housed in affordable and healthy homes.  When this happens parents can start focusing on their children and children can start focusing on development, grades, and fun!

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