The application process.
How can I get a Habitat house?
Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions about Habitat for Humanity
is, “How do I apply for a home?”
There are several steps to take to begin the
process.
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A current Habitat homeowner advises applicants to be patient throughout
this process and to not expect everything to fall into place at once.
He further
recommends being honest and specific about your needs and to be dedicated to the
process.
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The realization that the building of a habitat home is actually a
partnership between the prospective homeowner (you) and Habitat for Humanity
has to take place before any papers are filled out or any nails are pounded.
The
homeowner and Habitat for Humanity bring different, but complimentary, things to
this partnership.
Habitat brings materials, volunteer labor, and home-building
experience.
The future homeowner brings (agrees to contribute) up to 500 hours
(300 hours if a single parent) of their own time towards the construction of their
home.
The homeowner must agree to household maintenance education, budget
counseling and ongoing contact following the completion of the home.
Homeowners must make a modest down payment before construction begins
on their home.
Homeowners must be able to make monthly mortgage payments on the home as well. Mortgage payments (at no interest) are made to Habitat and used by Habitat to
build more homes.
Once the concept of partnership is clearly understood and
accepted by the prospective homeowner, the application process can begin:
| 1. Pick up the application form from any Chamber of Commerce office
in Sumner County (Portland, Westmoreland, White House, Gallatin,
Hendersonville).. 2. Thoroughly fill out the application. The application asks for a lot of
information and must be read carefully. Take the time to answer all questions
and to sign in BOTH places (incorrect or incomplete applications cause delays in
the process).
3. Review your application for accuracy and thoroughness.
4. Mail in your application (address found on front of application).
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After these steps are completed correctly, you will receive a letter
acknowledging receipt of your application. Be warned -- review of the application
is time consuming for the volunteers, sometimes taking a couple of months. These
trained volunteers, donating their time, verify information in the application
including contacting credit agencies, employers, past employers, banks, credit
unions, personal references and any number of other sources used on the
application. All information provided is kept strictly confidential.
If you feel your present housing is inadequate, please go by the nearest Chamber
of Commerce and pick up an application. And remember, Habitat for Humanity is
not just about building clean, affordable housing. It is about building a
partnership between the volunteers who provide their time and resources, the
surrounding community and the prospective homeowners.
