Home Ownership Program

Home Ownership Program

Need for better Housing

 

 

Families are considered for selection for a Habitat home based on a clear need. You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with: the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; the heating system; hazardous substances; or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. You may also meet the need for housing qualification if you are living in an overcrowded or unaffordable situation. If you are living in subsidized or transitional housing, such as Section 8, you may qualify.

 

Ability to Pay an affordable mortgage

 

 

As you will be buying your house from Habitat, you must demonstrate an ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment on your home. This monthly payment includes the principle, real estate taxes, and insurance payments. We will help you determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses.

 

 

 

Your income should fall within 50% to 80% of the Greater Peoria Area’s median income for your family size (see chart below). You must have at least one year of stable income coming into your household. We can include non-work related income such as food stamps, child support, Social Security, etc. as stable income if you can guarantee you will receive that income for the next three years.

 

HUD Year 2023 Maximum Income Guidelines

Family Size

Monthly Income

Annual Income

One

$2,638-$4,217

$31,650-$50,600

Two

$3,013-$4,817

$36,150-$57,800

Three

$3,388-$5,421

$40,650-$65,050

Four

$3,763-$6,021

$45,150-$72,250

Five

$4,067-$6,504

$48,800-$78,050

Six

$4,367-$6,988

$52,400-$83,850

Seven

$4,667-$7,467

$56,000-$89,600

Eight

$4,967-$7,950

$59,600-$95,400

 

Willingness to Partner - Sweat Equity

 

 

Once you have been selected to receive a home, your family becomes a “Partner Family.” This partnership is a unique characteristic of our program. You will contribute to your ongoing eligibility through “Sweat Equity.” This means that everyone in the household over the age of 18 must complete 250 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area. Your Sweat Equity hour requirement can be completed by working in the ReStores, by volunteering at house builds, and by attending homeowner classes. Sweat Equity is a fun way to stay involved with the Habitat community and enjoy the process of completing your future home. Attendance at required workshops pertaining to budgeting, home maintenance and other topics regarding homeownership is also necessary.

 

To learn more about what sweat equity is, visit Habitat International’s website.

 

If you meet the qualifications and would like more information about Habitat’s home-ownership program, please call our Family Services Director at (309) 676-6729 x 3.