“A lot of families think they have to be homeless and wouldn’t qualify to receive a house,” said Kenneth Oehlers, director of Athens County Habitat for Humanity. “There are families who would qualify for a home, but think they couldn’t get one. Our applicants aren’t homeless. Most of them working full time or are on disability, but aren’t making enough to receive a loan from a commercial bank.”

This is how Habitat works.

• Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. It’s all about giving a hand up, not a hand out. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and Habitat homes for others.

• Habitat houses are sold at no profit.

• The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses. 

Families in need of decent shelter can apply. Families are selected based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the loan.

For example, a family of one must make between $11,300 to $22,600; while a family of five would need to have an annual income of $17,400 to $34,800.

“We look for assurance that the family can make monthly mortgage payments, which range from $250 to $500 a month, and we do a credit check,” Oehlers said. “A lot of people think our houses are given away. We do not give houses away; we just offer an interest free mortgage payment, which is huge.”

The families also have a criminal background check and complete financial applications like they would at a bank. They are then reviewed to see if they family would be able to pay for the house.

To apply to be a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, call the Habitat office at 740-592-0032 or visit the Habitat website www.athenshabitat.org.