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Homeownership Program

 
 
 

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build brighter futures

We partner with families in need of decent, affordable housing to build a place to call home.

No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia provides a hand-up, not a handout, to families in need. People in Habitat’s Homeownership Program partner to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. We work with individuals who might not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage.

Habitat builds and rehabs houses in the Philadelphia area, which are available for purchase with an affordable mortgage to people in our Homeownership Program. See if you are eligible below.

Please note: Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is temporarily pausing acceptance of new homeownership program applications.  If you have attended an in-person information session or online infosession and received a blank application from Habitat, please understand that we will not receive completed applications until we have reopened our program application acceptance period.  When a new application acceptance period opens, we will contact anyone who already has an application in hand to let them know that they are able to submit their completed applications to Habitat.

Income Eligibility Requirements

Household income requirements are based on 30 (minimum) to 60 (maximum) percent of the 2018 HUD Area Median Income (AMI).

 

Household SizeMinimum Household IncomeMaximum Household Income
Household Size1Minimum Household Income$18,950Maximum Household Income$37,860
Household Size2Minimum Household Income$21,650Maximum Household Income$43,260
Household Size3Minimum Household Income$24,350Maximum Household Income$48,660
Household Size4Minimum Household Income$27,050Maximum Household Income$54,060
Household Size5Minimum Household Income$29,250Maximum Household Income$58,440
Household Size6Minimum Household Income$31,400Maximum Household Income$62,760
Household Size7Minimum Household Income$33,550Maximum Household Income$67,080
Homeownership Program

Application Process

Step 1.

Attend an Information Session

If you are interested in applying for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s Homeownership Program, the first step is to attend an in-person information session, or to complete an online infosession and quiz.

During an in-person information session, you will hear from our Family Services team and current Habitat homeowners on program requirements and expectations. At the end of the information session, you will receive an application that can be submitted during an open application period.

The information session period is now closed. If you have any questions about the application process please contact family@habitatphiladelphia.org. 

Step 2.

Submit Application

If the program is a good fit for you, fill out an application! This is a thorough application that requires you to submit a range of documents on your employment history, tax returns, and more.

Step 3.

Application Review

The end goal of our Homeownership Program is for you to purchase your Habitat home with a thirty-year, affordable mortgage. We want you to be successful as a homeowner, so our Family Services team runs a credit check to make sure your finances are healthy.

Step 4.

Home Visit

Habitat staff visits your current home to better assess your need for housing, and to talk through the program requirements again. This is a chance for us to get to know you, your needs, and your willingness to partner through this program. This is also a chance for you to ask any outstanding questions you have.

Step 5.

Committee Review

Our Family Services Committee — a committee of staff, board members, Habitat homeowners, and volunteers — conducts a blind review of all applicants to determine who is accepted into the program. The Board of Directors has final approval, and votes in applicants.

Step 6.

Decision

If you are accepted, congratulations! We are thrilled to be a partner in your journey to homeownership.

If you are not accepted, there are specific ways you can strengthen your application, should you choose to apply again in the next application period. If you are in need of credit repair, we can refer you to the partners we work with to help you get your finances in order for the next time.

Step 7.

Orientation

Accepted families attend a kickoff orientation which includes a thorough review of program documentation as well as training with our Construction Staff to prepare for work on site.

 

Information Sessions

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The next round of information sessions will be posted once the application period for the Homeownership Program is unpaused. Please check back for details and fill out an inquiry form to receive updates.

Questions?

 

If I am accepted into the program, how long before I purchase my home?

The typical time period for a family to complete the program is within 18-24 months, after which the purchase process begins. This timing depends on a variety of factors, including how long it takes a family to complete sweat equity requirements, Habitat’s construction schedule, and other considerations.

 

What kind of support will I receive throughout the program?

Our Family Services team is here to help keep you on track! We understand there may be bumps in the road, and we will work with you as a partner in your success.

Each individual or family in the Homeownership Program may be paired with a Family Advocate, a volunteer or Habitat homeowner who stays in touch with you throughout the program and supports your needs. They can even contribute sweat equity hours!

 

I'd like to speak with someone about the program. Who can I talk to?

You can reach our Family Services team at (215) 765-6000 x18 or by emailing family@habitatphiladelphia.org.

Other resources for buying your first home

Homebuyer Assistance Programs