The Habitat homeownership program offers a hand up, not a hand out. As a nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity relies on the support of our local community. Our goal is to provide affordable housing for low-income homebuyers who would not otherwise be able to afford homeownership or a home loan.
Applicants must be living or working in our service area (Lincoln, Minnehaha or Turner counties) for the 12 months preceding the application drive. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
All applicants who meet the above residency requirements are screened for our program based on the three criteria outlined below. Applicants must meet all requirements for all three criteria in order to qualify.
Applicants must have a housing need — current housing is inadequate, substandard or unaffordable. Applicants must also have a financial need — gross household income falls within 30%-60% of area median income (for General Eligibility) or within 30%-80% of area median income (for Veteran or Teacher Eligibility).
Download Income Eligibility Guidelines
The applicant and co-applicant (if any) become the borrowers on the loan and the owners of the Habitat home. Applicant(s) must demonstrate ability to pay an affordable mortgage loan:
Homebuyer partners must sign a partnership agreement. Requirements of partnership include, but are not limited to:
The number of applicants selected is based on the number of homes Habitat intends to build for the next construction season. We typically have more qualified applicants than we have openings. If you qualify but are not selected, you can apply again. Each application drive is a new opportunity for all applicants.
Habitat does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, handicap, religion, family status, national origin, or income derived from public assistance programs.