homeownership

Application Update

Until further notice, we are currently at capcity and cannot accept interest forms.

At this time, we are not accepting homeownership applications. Announcements regarding future application windows will be posted on this page and on our Facebook page. When applications do open, they will be available for a limited seven (7)-day application window.

What is a Habitat Home?

Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley partners with families to make safe, affordable homeownership possible by offering affordable mortgage loans on homes built or renovated by Habitat.

A Habitat home is a simple and decent dwelling, typically three to five bedrooms. These homes are sold on a 30-year, ZERO interest mortgage with affordable monthly payments. The journey from family approval to closing takes approximately 18-24 months, during which families actively contribute through “sweat equity” or volunteer hours. Habitat homes represent strength, stability, and the collaborative effort of building a better future for our community.

Homeownership Program Eligibility Overview

To be considered for the Habitat Homeownership Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Need For Adequate Housing

Applicants must demonstrate a need for adequate housing, which may include, but are not limited to:

Substandard or unsafe housing
Overcrowded housing
Temporary housing
Housing that is not affordable
Neighborhoods that pose health or safety concerns

Ability to Pay the Mortgage

Habitat evaluates financial readiness to ensure sustainable homeownership. This includes review of:

Consistent, verifiable income (employment wages, SSI, Social Security, child support, public assistance, or alimony)
- Applicants with employment income must show at least six (6) months of continuous employment with the same employer at the time of application
Debt levels, including credit cards, loans, and other financial obligations
Payment history, demonstrating the ability to meet financial responsibilities
Ability to maintain a reasonable standard of living while paying a mortgage and existing debts

Willingness to Partner

Applicants must be willing to partner with Habitat by:

Completing 275–300 sweat equity hours
- 20 hours per month for single applicants
- 25 hours per month for dual applicants
Attending required homeowner education classes and workshops
Contributing toward closing costs prior to purchasing the home
Maintain consistent monthly communication with Family Services staff

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

- - - - Applicants must live or work in the county in which they are applying
      - Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Preparing for A Future Application Window

When applications reopen, applicants will be required to submit a complete application package, which includes:

Completed Habitat application (provided during the application window)
Color copy of a valid ID for each applicant
Copy of Social Security card or Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) for each applicant
Bank statements from the most recent two (2) months
Must include bank name and applicant name
Statements for all accounts with the applicant’s name must be submitted

Proof of income, as applicable:
- - Employment wages
    - - Paid weekly: last 8 paystubs
      - Paid bi-weekly/semi-monthly: last 4 paystubs
      - Paid monthly: last 2 paystubs
  - Self-employment: last 2 years of federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040)
  - Social Security/Disability: current award letter
  - Child support: court order and proof of payment for the past 6 months

Application fee: $35 per adult applicant
Money order or cashier’s check only
Certificate of Completion from an HFHRV Information Session
Certificate must be no more than two (2) months old
Multiple in-person and virtual sessions will be offered during each application window

Incomplete applications will be denied.

Application Process

The application process typically takes 2–3 months and includes multiple phases:

Phase I – Application & Initial Financial Review

Habitat reviews completed applications and conducts consumer and investigative reports. Applicants then meet with Family Services staff to discuss next steps.

Phase II – Additional Financial Review

A more detailed review of the applicant’s financial ability to repay the mortgage is completed. Additional documentation may be required.

Phase III – Home Visit

Family Services conducts a home visit to assess the applicant’s housing need.

Phase IV – Committee & Board Review

Applications are reviewed by the Family Services Committee and, if recommended, presented to the Board of Directors for final approval.

Upon Board approval, the family is officially welcomed into the Habitat program.

We appreciate your patience and interest in Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. Please continue to check our website and social media pages for future updates regarding the application process.

Please note: Habitat is unable to determine eligibility or confirm whether an applicant will qualify for the program without attendance at an information session and submission of a completed application.

Not Quite Ready for Homeownership? Let’s Bridge the Gap with A Bridge Home.

A Bridge Home is Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley’s community education program designed to support individuals and families working toward housing stability and long-term success. The program is offered twice a year, with one cohort beginning in January and one in August, and each session lasts approximately 13 weeks.

Participants engage in educational classes, resource connections, and individualized support focused on building knowledge, confidence, and practical skills related to housing and financial stability.

While A Bridge Home does not guarantee placement into Habitat’s Homeownership Program, it serves as a valuable preparation and empowerment opportunity for those exploring homeownership or seeking to remain stably housed.

Class topics include: Home Repair & Maintenance, Budgeting, Bad Debt & Predatory Lending, Estate Planning, Homeowners Insurance, Mortgage & Closing Basics

Through education, partnership, and encouragement, A Bridge Home helps participants take informed steps toward safe, stable housing and a stronger financial future.

homeownership

Application Update

Until further notice, we are currently at capcity and cannot accept interest forms.

At this time, we are not accepting homeownership applications. Announcements regarding future application windows will be posted on this page and on our Facebook page. When applications do open, they will be available for a limited seven (7)-day application window.

What is a Habitat Home?

Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley partners with families to make safe, affordable homeownership possible by offering affordable mortgage loans on homes built or renovated by Habitat.

Homeownership Program Eligibility Overview

To be considered for the Habitat Homeownership Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Need For Adequate Housing

Applicants must demonstrate a need for adequate housing, which may include, but are not limited to:

Substandard or unsafe housing

Overcrowded housing

Temporary housing

Housing that is not affordable

Neighborhoods that pose health or safety concerns

Ability to Pay the Mortgage

Habitat evaluates financial readiness to ensure sustainable homeownership. This includes review of:

Consistent, verifiable income (employment wages, SSI, Social Security, child support, public assistance, or alimony)

Applicants with employment income must show at least six (6) months of continuous employment with the same employer at the time of application

Debt levels, including credit cards, loans, and other financial obligations

Payment history, demonstrating the ability to meet financial responsibilities

Ability to maintain a reasonable standard of living while paying a mortgage and existing debts

Willingness to Partner

Applicants must be willing to partner with Habitat by:

Completing 275–300 sweat equity hours

20 hours per month for single applicants

25 hours per month for dual applicants

Attending required homeowner education classes and workshops

Contributing toward closing costs prior to purchasing the home

Maintain consistent monthly communication with Family Services staff

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must live or work in the county in which they are applying

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Preparing for A Future Application Window

When applications reopen, applicants will be required to submit a complete application package, which includes:

Completed Habitat application (provided during the application window)

Color copy of a valid ID for each applicant

Copy of Social Security card or Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) for each applicant

Bank statements from the most recent two (2) months

Must include bank name and applicant name

Statements for all accounts with the applicant’s name must be submitted

Proof of income, as applicable:

Employment wages

Paid weekly: last 8 paystubs

Paid bi-weekly/semi-monthly: last 4 paystubs

Paid monthly: last 2 paystubs

Self-employment: last 2 years of federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040)

Social Security/Disability: current award letter

Child support: court order and proof of payment for the past 6 months

Application fee: $35 per adult applicant

Money order or cashier’s check only

Certificate of Completion from an HFHRV Information Session

Certificate must be no more than two (2) months old

Multiple in-person and virtual sessions will be offered during each application window

Incomplete applications will be denied.

Application Process

The application process typically takes 2–3 months and includes multiple phases:

Phase I – Application & Initial Financial Review

Habitat reviews completed applications and conducts consumer and investigative reports. Applicants then meet with Family Services staff to discuss next steps.

Phase II – Additional Financial Review

A more detailed review of the applicant’s financial ability to repay the mortgage is completed. Additional documentation may be required.

Phase III – Home Visit

Family Services conducts a home visit to assess the applicant’s housing need.

Phase IV – Committee & Board Review

Applications are reviewed by the Family Services Committee and, if recommended, presented to the Board of Directors for final approval.

Upon Board approval, the family is officially welcomed into the Habitat program.

We appreciate your patience and interest in Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. Please continue to check our website and social media pages for future updates regarding the application process.

Please note: Habitat is unable to determine eligibility or confirm whether an applicant will qualify for the program without attendance at an information session and submission of a completed application.

Not Quite Ready for Homeownership? Let’s Bridge the Gap with A Bridge Home.

Participants engage in educational classes, resource connections, and individualized support focused on building knowledge, confidence, and practical skills related to housing and financial stability.

While A Bridge Home does not guarantee placement into Habitat’s Homeownership Program, it serves as a valuable preparation and empowerment opportunity for those exploring homeownership or seeking to remain stably housed.

Class topics include: Home Repair & Maintenance, Budgeting, Bad Debt & Predatory Lending, Estate Planning, Homeowners Insurance, Mortgage & Closing Basics

Through education, partnership, and encouragement, A Bridge Home helps participants take informed steps toward safe, stable housing and a stronger financial future.