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become a homeowner
Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities does not build homes for people, but with people in partnership. Homeowners must invest 500 hours of "sweat equity" into the building of their home. The homes are then sold at no profit, through a no-interest loan. Each homeowners monthly mortgage payment go into a revolving fund that is used to build more Habitat homes in the Tri-Cities. Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities is currently accepting applications for home ownership, and an application is available for downloading at the bottom of this page, or you can contact the office at 509.943.5555 for more information. There is a $20.00 application processing fee that is due when the application is submitted.
Criteria for Selection as a Candidate Family
Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities has three criteria for becoming a homeowner:
- Need for Adequate Shelter
Habitat builds homes for low-income families whose present housing is inadequate.
- Ability to Pay
Applicants need to have the resources to pay a low-monthly mortgage.
- Willingness to Partner
Applicants need to be willing to commit to the sweat equity requirement of 500 hours, and be part of the Habitat family
Income Level & Credit History
The income level that qualifies you for a Habitat home is between 25% and 50% of the current median income level in the Tri-City area. Your total family income is what we use to determine your eligibility. This should be a steady source of income, so that you will be able to afford monthly mortgage payments on a house. Your credit history will be investigated.
Sweat Equity
You and your family must be willing to put in 500 hours of unpaid volunteer work for various Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities projects. This is known as sweat equity and is required of all Habitat families. Once you are accepted as a Habitat family, you may be helping to build houses other than your own. If you have physical limitations that would keep you from swinging a hammer or performing other manual labor, you can help with office work, volunteer coordination and newsletter mailings. Your willing participation in these projects not only helps with the work of Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities, but also shows your sincerity and commitment to the partnership.
Housing Condition
Is your current home or apartment inadequate? Are you sharing a home with another family? Is it structurally unsafe? Is there poor or no insulation? Is it unheated or inadequately heated in the winter? Is it too small for your family?
Time
Are you prepared to wait as long as two years for your home to be built? Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities is not an emergency housing program, or a quick fix to your current housing situation. Our goal is to build communities as well as homes, and this process takes time. We are trying to provide a permanent solution.
Neighborhood
You must be willing to accept a home in any area of the Tri-Cities. Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities cannot guarantee that the home you are offered will be located or built in any given part of Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland.
Home Assignment & Acceptance
You must be willing to accept the home that is assigned to your family. This decision is made based upon the size and needs of your family. Habitat for Humanity homes are basic, decent homes and do not have formal dining rooms, wood stoves, fire places, or decks. In most cases, there will be only one bathroom.
Closing Costs & Monthly House Payments
Once accepted as a candidate family, you must begin saving money each month to pay the closing costs on your Habitat home mortgage. This money must be paid before you can move into your home. The average closing cost for one of our homes is $1500, but since you will have up to two years to save, a small amount each month will get you to this goal. You must also agree to make regular monthly house payments. It is important that these payments are made on time because your mortgage payments go toward building the home for the next family on the list.
Public Relations
Habitat for Humanity Tri-Cities relies upon the goodwill of the Tri-Cities community. Donations and volunteer labor by individuals and groups are our primary sources of support. For public relations purposes, you and your family may be asked to pose for photos or be interviewed by news or television reporters. More importantly, as a Habitat family, you must be willing to keep up your Habitat home in a manner that speaks well of the organization. This means that you are expected to keep your home and lot in good order and not engage in any activities that are disruptive to the community or are in any way illegal.
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