Become a Homeowner

Homeowner
Guidelines

Partner Family Education

Family Support Partners
Committee

Homeowners Association

Application
(Valid Until 3/15/08)
(PDF 134kb) and Instructions
(PDF 123kb)

Habitat has been a true blessing for me and my daughter. We now have a new home!
This is a dream come true! My daughter and I now have extended our family, with Habitat.
The bonding that we made, with Habitat, is tremendous. Friends for Life!
I encouage everyone to get involved. This is a life changing experience.
- Crystal Weaver
2003 PCHFH Partner Family

Homeowner Guidelines
It is important to understand that this is NOT a free home. To become a homeowner/partner, we look at three distinct areas of selection criteria:

1. The actual housing need based on the suitability of current shelter
2. Current income and ability to pay for a Habitat for Humanity home
   Since the homeowner will actually be buying the home from Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, they must demonstrate the ability to pay the monthly house payment. This payment will include not only the mortgage, but also the payment for real estate taxes and insurance. We will help determine if this payment will jeopardize the ability to meet all other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help the family develop a budget to determine eligibility.
3. The willingness to participate as a "Partner" with us at Putnam County Habitat for Humanity
   If selected, the family becomes a "partner family" in the Habitat movement. They must then complete 500 hours of volunteer work with Habitat, which will count toward their "sweat equity". This must be completed before becoming a homeowner. "Sweat equity" includes their assistance in constructing their home and homes of others, and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, providing food for volunteers or working in the Habitat office or ReStore.

The next home ownership applications will be accepted after January 1, 2008.

Partner Family Education
Habitat Partners attend 75 hours of education classes (included in their sweat equity commitment.) Education workshops include budgeting, home maintenance, being a good neighbor and more.

Family Support Partners Committee
The Family Support Partners Committee will maintain an on-going relationship with partner families. Each family's support person workds to empower the partner family by providing a mutual support system, educational opportunities, and a forum for discussions regarding homeownership and relevant Habitat policies and procedures. Individuals work with partner families both before and after construction to be sure that the families know what is required in the area of sweat equity, to provide a record of that time requirement, and to help in the transition to true homeownership.

Homeowner's Association The local Habitat Family Partners continue to work and meet together through the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity Homeowner's Association. The purpose of this association is to build relationships between the Habitat Partners while continuing to keep an involvement in Habitat for Humanity. The families plan social activities, discuss homeowner and neighborhood needs and concerns, welcome new Partner Families into the program, serve on PCHFH committees, and present a united voice for the homeowners to the staff and board of directors.