"A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed. "

-Henrik Ibsen

Eligibility

Athens County Habitat for Humanity empowers people who qualify to build and buy their own homes.

Selected families commit to 250 hours of "sweat equity," as a reasonable down payment, personal finance workshops, education on home safety, guidance for participating in a homeowners' association, and monthly mortgage payments set at no more than 30% of household income.

Qualifications

Habitat Homeowners are selected based on the following criteria:

Need for adequate housing:

• Current housing is sub-standard or
• Overcrowded living conditions or
• Current neighborhood unsafe or
• More than 30% of monthly income spent on housing
• Maximum income 60% of area median income
  • Family of 1 yearly gross income range: $11,300–$22,600
  • Family of 2 yearly gross income range: $12,900–$25,800
  • Family of 3 yearly gross income range: $14,500–$29,000
  • Family of 4 yearly gross income range: $16,100–$32,200
  • Family of 5 yearly gross income range: $17,400–$34,800
  • Family of 6 yearly gross income range: $18,700–$37,400

Ability to pay for a Habitat home:

• Gross income of at least 30% of area median income
• Family must have stable income
• Applicants must have a legal right to work in the United States
• Maximum debt to gross income ratio should not be more than 40% 
• Meet Habitat's minimum credit history requirements

 Willingness to partner with Habitat:

• Invest "sweat equity hours" in the construction of your home and in helping to build other Habitat Partner homes.
• Attend 5 evening Homeowner-In-Process (HIP) 2 hour workshops