Crawford County - Habitat for Humanity
Become a Partner Family

Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. Instead of being a hand out it is a hand up. The houses are simple with one bath, no garage and no basement. They have an average value of $40,000 to $43,000 and are sold to the homeowner, or partner family, at no profit and with no interest.

Monthly payments vary with the cost of the house. Most are twenty year mortgages with a ten year balloon. But, that is just the beginning. Each adult in the family agrees to give 250 hours of "sweat equity" to Habitat. The hours can be work on their house, another Habitat house or Habitat fund raiser.

For two years after the house becomes their new home, the new homeowners will meet with' the Family Support Committee. Committee members will help the family with budget and other financial advice.

There are four criteria to qualify a family as a partner family. First, the family must have been residents of Crawford County for at least one year.

Second, they must have an unmet need for shelter. This can be an inadequate number of bedrooms, problems with heating, plumbing or electrical system, or lack of structural integrity. The family may not be a candidate for a candidate for a conventional mortgage or qualify for govenrmental housing programs.

Third, since the house is not given away, the family must have the ability to repay the loan. Monthly payments are typically $300-$400. They must have a satisfactory credit history and a history of financial responsibility. Additionally, they must be able to make a 2% ($800-$1000) down payment.

Finally, is the family willing to partner with Habitat? Not only must they agree to the hours of sweat equity, they must demonstrate concern for proper maintenance of their current property.

If you know of a family that may qualify for a Habitat house, have them contact the office. They will receive an application and additional information. As plans are made for construction of another house, the Family Selection Committee will identify those who meet the criteria and intervied the qualified applicants. A partner family will then be selected based on the most pressing need.

We now have three lots available for building sites. As funds come available, we will turn these pieces of land into homes for Crawford County Residents. Please help us exceed our goal of three more Habitat houses filling three more families needs.