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The Screening Form is now open. Please review the Homeownership Program Steps. If you think this program is a good fit for you, fill out our screening form linked below.

 
 
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.

Income Eligibility Requirements

Household size includes children residing in the home at least 50% of the time. Household income is calculated based on the gross income of all adults. Below, the maximum income is based on 80% of the current HUD Area Median Income (AMI) for Philadelphia.

Household SizeMinimum Household IncomeMaximum Household Income
Household Size1Minimum Household Income$39,100Maximum Household Income$62,560
Household Size2Minimum Household Income$44,650Maximum Household Income$71,440
Household Size3Minimum Household Income$50,250Maximum Household Income$80,400
Household Size4Minimum Household Income$55,800Maximum Household Income$89,280
Household Size5Minimum Household Income$60,300Maximum Household Income$96,480
Household Size6Minimum Household Income$64,750Maximum Household Income$103,600
Household Size7Minimum Household Income$69,200Maximum Household Income$110,720
Household Size8Minimum Household Income$73,700Maximum Household Income$117,920
Step 1.

Attend an Information Session

If you are interested in applying to the Homeownership Program, the first step we recommend is to attend a virtual information session.

During an information session, you’ll hear about our program requirements, our selection criteria, and how to go about the application process.

We hold Information Sessions only during open application periods. Attending an Information Session is highly recommended but not required to apply for the Homeownership Program.

If you have questions about our program outside of an open application period, please leave us a message at family@habitatphiladelphia.org.

Step 2.

Submit a Screening Form Online

If you believe the program would be a good opportunity for you, fill out our online screening form during the next open application cycle! You’ll receive timely feedback via email about your household’s eligibility for the program. Eligible households who submit a screening form by the deadline will be invited on a rolling basis to continue on with the application.

Our screening period is now open. Please fill out a screening form linked below.

View Screening Form
Step 3.

Application Review & Follow-Up

Once the invitation to apply arrives, you’ll be asked to create an account in our secure online application portal to submit more details about your household. Be prepared to upload a range of documentation in the portal to support information on your employment history, income, tax returns, current debts, and more. During this time, our staff will also run a credit check and conduct a background check to ensure your finances are healthy.

Step 4.

Interview

While we review your application materials, you may be asked to interview with the Homeowner Services team so we can better assess your need for affordable housing and talk through any questions you may have about the program requirements.

Interviews are not always necessary during an application cycle; however, it is critical that you are ready and responsive to our team’s requests for more information.

Step 5.

Decision

We will continue to invite eligible households who submitted the screening form to apply on a rolling basis until we’ve selected the number of households we’re looking to join the Homeownership during that application cycle.

If you are not selected to join the program, there may be specific ways we’ll recommend for your to strengthen your application in the future. For example, we could recommend a partnering organization to help you with credit repair.

We only look for a limited number of households to join our program each application cycle. Don’t be discouraged if you are not selected this time around!

Step 6.

Orientation

Selected applicants will be asked to accept the invitation to join our program.

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

At our Orientation, you will experience a thorough review of how our program works, meet key Habitat staff from all across the organization who will partner with you on your journey, train you on how to be safe on our construction sites, and set your personal education & savings goals.

 

Information Sessions

See all Habitat events

The Homeownership Screening is now available. Click here to apply.

Questions?

 

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

The typical time period for completing the program is within 8-12 months, after which the purchase process begins. This timing for when you purchase depends on a variety of factors, including how long it takes you to complete all requirements, Habitat’s current construction schedule, and other considerations.

 

What kind of support will I receive throughout the program?

Our Homeowner Services team is here to 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.

We will also connect you with reputable partnering organizations that can offer complementary support around issues such as managing personal finances and taking advantage of select City or other local programs.

 

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

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

 

How often do you have applications open?

Our application cycles are set based on our current construction schedules. When we have a development ready to build, we seek out individuals and families to go through our program and ultimately buy those homes. You can join our mailing list to be notified of any upcoming open application cycles here.

Other resources for buying your first home

Philadelphia Housing Resources