Family FAQ

Does Habitat for Humanity Give Away Houses?

No! Habitat for Humanity is an affordable home-ownership program. As such, our families purchase their homes from Habitat through a no-interest mortgage paid over 25-30 years. Homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund to help build more Habitat homes in the community.

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Do I Have to Be a Christian to Become a Habitat Homeowner?

Habitat for Humanity was founded as, and still is, a Christian ministry. As such, it is our mission to witness to the Word of God and the love of Jesus Christ for all persons through our words and actions. However, homeowners are selected without regard to creed, both in keeping with the requirements of the equal housing laws and Habitat’s belief that God’s love extends to all regardless of race, religion or nationality.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a House?

Once a family is selected, Habitat must build, and sometimes design the house to perfectly fit your family’s needs. We also need to raise all of the money to build your home. The time between approval to move in can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the availability of land on which to build, sponsorships and donations coming in to Habitat to fund the building of their home. During this time, the family can begin working the sweat equity hours and taking the financial management course, “Financial Peace University,” which is a 13-week course held in the evening for two hours each session. Those hours spent in the course count toward the sweat equity hours. A percentage of the sweat equity hours can also be performed by friends and family of the Habitat homeowner.

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What If I Have a Lot of Debt?

Our goal is to assist those with a housing need to become financially stable and to prepare them to be successful homeowners. The families we work with often have a lot of debt and credit issues.

When you submit your application, we look at your current debt and your credit history. The issue we see that could impact your being selected is what we call “bad” debt. This may include such things as accounts in collections, accounts charged off as bad debt, etc. We will also consider any legal judgments against you. We often select families who have high debt, but we expect you to pay off those debts before we begin building a home for you.

Even if you have good credit and have paid your bills on time, we look at your debt to income ratio. The rule of thumb is that the total of your “current” debt, including our Habitat mortgage, must not require monthly payments of more than 40% of your gross family income.

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Can I Qualify If I Am Handicapped?

Yes. It’s important for you to know that Habitat builds homes to meet the needs of its selected families. We can build handicap accessible homes with features to accommodate a family with special needs or health considerations.

Sometimes the question comes, “Well, if I’m handicapped, how can I work my sweat equity hours?” We will work out special arrangements by which you can satisfy Habitat’s “sweat equity” requirements. We have opportunities to work at our Habitat Home Supply Store, by helping with Habitat events, phone calling from your home, etc. In other words, we will work with you to ensure that you can accomplish your sweat equity hours.

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Do I Have to Help in the Construction of the Home?

Yes, unless you have a disability which prevents you from working at the construction site (see above question and answer), that is a key part of the Habitat program which we call “sweat equity.” Homeowners work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers in the construction of their own homes and also work on the homes of other Habitat partner families. One of the best things about volunteering at a Habitat work site is for the volunteers to be able to actually meet the families. That’s why it is so important for the Habitat families to be present at the construction site.

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Do I Have to Know Anything About Construction?

No. We will teach you what you need to know and provide expert supervision.

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Do I Get to Select My Home Design?

Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity selects the lot and floor plan, while the family is asked to assist in the choice of flooring, counter tops and fixtures. Interior walls are painted white and the homeowner can paint the interior any color they wish after they are in their home. The exterior paint color is often determined by the Home Owner Association guidelines of the communities in which we build our homes.

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How to Become a Habitat Homeowner  

STEP 1 - Do I Qualify?

STEP 2 - How Do I Apply?

STEP 3 - How Are Habitat Families Selected?

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Equal Housing Opportunity Statement: We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.