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Family Selection—What We Look For
We are asked all the time what it takes to be a qualifying partner family. We want to find the right families, families that need a hand up, not a hand out.
The Family Selection Committee looks at three main criteria: 1) need, 2) the ability to repay and 3) willingness to partner.
Need
- Applicants are considered for a Midcoast Habitat home when present housing is inadequate and when the family is unable to purchase a home through conventional means. Lack of adequate housing encompasses problems with: the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; the heating system; and/or failure to meet city property requirements. The number, ages and sex of children are considered when determining the number of bedrooms in the home.
- The percentage of monthly income spent on housing is considered when determining need. Potential partner families are required to openly discuss financial conditions and standing with a Habitat family support volunteer.
- Applicants must currently live or work in Knox County.
- Applicants are considered if the family’s total, steady household income is between $19,050 and $57,400, depending on family size.
The Ability to Repay
- Applicants must demonstrate their ability to pay monthly mortgage payments. The monthly payment includes real estate taxes and insurance. Midcoast Habitat for Humanity helps applicants determine whether they can assume the burden of the mortgage payments without jeopardizing the ability to meet all other family and financial obligations, and to develop a budget if needed.
- The mortgage loan is interest free.
Willingness to Partner
- · Selected families become partners in the Habitat movement and must complete 400 hours of volunteer work with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity before becoming a homeowner. Family participation in constructing their home and homes of others is called "sweat equity" and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, construction clean up, providing food for volunteers or working in the Habitat office. Families may be credited with up to 200 hours of work provided by friends and relatives who participate. The requirement can be fulfilled over a period of up to two years.
- Families are responsible for maintenance and repair of their homes from the time they move in.
Orientation Meetings
Midcoast Habitat for Humanity holds an informational session each year. The session provides potential partner families the opportunity to learn more about becoming a Habitat homeowner. Applications are available and assistance is provided to complete them. Applicants are required to attend an orientation meeting.
For more information about how you or someone you know can attend an upcoming meeting, call 594-1859 or email info@midcoasthabitat.org.
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"Habitat provided our family
the opportunity to
build a home
which otherwise
would not have
been possible.
Our family now
has a stable,
safe, affordable
and beautiful
home where we
can settle and
grow for years to
come."
The Fredericks –
Keith , Torey,
Kaydin and Kyla
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