So you would like a home of your own but can’t afford today’s high prices-- Habitat for Humanity of Wood County, Inc. may be the answer to your problem.

WHAT IS HABITAT?

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian Housing Ministry to help people in need live in decent houses in decent communities.  It is not charity!  Families who qualify purchase their homes at the cost of construction for the house.  They pay the purchase price back over a 20 to 30 year period and no interest is charged on the balance due.  Who builds the houses?   The house design and construction are overseen by a building committee. The houses are built by combinations of hired labor, volunteers, home buyers, and other members of the Habitat for Humanity community. The home for which you are applying is a basic practical structure. 

HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY QUALIFY

Families are chosen by the family selection committee based on your application information.  Continue reading for questions to ask yourself before filling out an application. 

NO FAVORITISM

The family selection process is impartial.  Neither age, gender, race, nor religion play a part in the choice.  What we are looking for are poorly housed people with no way to buy a home on their own, and who will help build their own house as much as they are able.  We want people who are responsible about house payments and home maintenance. 

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A HABITAT HOUSE?

You must first complete the application form.  You must be interviewed by members of the Family Selection Committee.  If your application is approved you will be notified.  The process could take several months to complete.

DO I NEED A DOWN PAYMENT?

Yes a down payment of $800 is required before moving in, plus 500 hours (300 hours for single parents) of “sweat equity”.  “Sweat equity” is work contributed to a Habitat house.  Two-thirds must be completed by the home owner to be, and one-third may be contributed by relatives and friends.

SUPPOSE I WANT TO MOVE--WHAT HAPPENS TO MY HOUSE THEN?

Habitat has the first option of buying your house back—it's part of the contract.  The idea of Habitat, however, is to build a permanent community.  Family selection will be based on the premise that members of the community will wish to live in their homes permanently.  You may have other questions.  They may be answered by members of the family selection committee during the interviews, or by writing to us at the above address.  We want you to be absolutely certain that you want to own a home in the Habitat community and we will do our best to help you in any way we can.  We want you to know that Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Inc. is a Christian motivated program working to provide decent housing for people in need.  It is one of many such programs in this country and overseas based on the premise that people need capital, not charity, to upgrade their housing.  It seeks people with the desire to help themselves and others experience the dream of home ownership in a community where love prevails and the future offers opportunity for growth and fulfillment.