Grand Traverse Area Habitat Home Ownership

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses.

Partner families themselves invest hundreds of hours of labor - sweat equity - into building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses.

Application Process:

Please review the following Partner Selection Criteria, a summary of who may be qualified to become a partner.

NEED FOR ADEQUATE SHELTER

• Current shelter has an inadequate number of bedrooms as determined by the number, ages, and sex of household members.
• Current shelter has problems with the heating, plumbing or electrical systems or problems with the structural integrity of the home.
• The total cost (including utilities) of present housing exceeds 30% of gross income.
• The applicant is unable to obtain a conventional or government-assisted mortgage loan to purchase a home.

ABILITY TO PAY FOR A HABITAT HOME

• The applicant must be able to show a stable income record and demonstrate a history of financial responsibility.
• The applicant must have the financial ability to meet their total debt obligations. Total of all monthly debt payments, including approximately $400 - $500 per month to Habitat for mortgage payments, taxes and insurance, should not exceed 40% of gross income.
• The applicant must have a satisfactory credit history and references.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER WITH HABITAT

• The applicant must agree to maintain their Habitat homes upon occupancy.
• Applicants are expected to assist in the construction of their home and the homes of others. Applicants shall agree to commit a minimum of 550 hours (two-adult family) or 275 hours (single-adult family) sweat equity.

RESIDENCY

• Applicants must be residents of the Grand Traverse Region (Leelanau, Grand Traverse or Kalkaska counties) for at least one year.

If you are eligible, please contact the Habitat office at (231) 941-4663 to begin the application process.

 

Note: The program descriptions on this website were developed in 2009 for general information purposes only. NWMCOG/Community Housing Choices makes no guarantee of the continued accuracy of this information. Please contact the agency for official confirmation of available assistance and your eligibility for assistance.

Contact Information:
Name:
Address: P.O. Box 5412, 1129 Woodmere Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49696
Phone: (231) 941-4663
Email: habitatgtr@charterinternet.com
Grand Traverse Area Habitat Home Ownership Website
Grand Traverse Area Habitat for Humanity: Agency Page, Website