homeownership

We believe that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to call home. Our Habitat homeowners partner with us to build a better home and future for themselves and their families

1 in 7 Delaware residents spend more than 50% of their income just on housing.

tiffany’s story

Two years ago, Tiffany and her three children were living in overcrowded conditions in her mother’s home. Not long after her mother passed away, Tiffany arrived home to find a for sale sign was on the door—the house was in foreclosure. A parent at the daycare where Tiffany worked told her about Habitat. After completing her financial coaching and 225 hours of “sweat equity” with Habitat, Tiffany became the 250th Habitat Homeowner in New Castle County “Habitat’s 0% interest mortgage made homeownership a reality for me. I am beyond blessed.”

qualifications

We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and that homeownership makes a difference—in communities, and families alike. Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County provides a hand-up not a hand-out to qualifying families who may not be able to qualify for traditional mortgage options. Our homeownership program is designed to prepare, educate, and assist individuals in their journey to becoming Habitat homeowners.

Need for housing

Willingness to partner

Ability to pay

While all of our homeowners have different life circumstances, they all have these three important qualifications. The best way to find out if you qualify to for Habitat’s homeownership program is to attend an orientation.

Individuals who are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner must meet HUD’s income guidelines listed below.

attend an orientation

Applicants must meet HUDs income guidelines for income to qualify.

family size

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

eight

minimum income

$25,000

$26,220

$27,000

$29,400

$31,350

$31,300

maximum income

$37,860

$43,260

$48,660

$54,060

$58,440

$62,760

$67,080

$71,400

Homeownership makes a difference.

what our families are saying

%

report improved physical, emotional and social well-being

%

no longer receive government assistance

%

of children improved by one or more letter grades in school

%

of families now eat meals together

Are you interested in the Habitat homeowership program?

take the next step

Attend an orientation

At our orientation, you’ll learn all about Habitat’s homeownership program, including the process, the requirements, and the what’s needed to qualify.

view upcoming orientations

If you are unable to attend an orientation, carefully review our orientation powerpoint.

Submit your application

Your application will be reviewed by our Family Services team, and will require documentation such as your tax returns, pay stubs, etc.

Home visit

Our Family Selection Committee will visit your current home to assess your need for housing and get to know you a bit better.

Committee review

Your application and the results of your home visit will be reviewed and discussed by Habitat’s Board of Directors.

Decision

If you’re accepted – a Habitat staff member will notify you directly – and then the fun begins! If you are not accepted, don’t get discouraged – a member of our Family Services team can talk to you about ways to strengthen your application. Many of our Habitat homeowners apply for our program more than once before getting accepted.