As of June 17, 2024 new homeowner applications will be accepted year-round. Please call, email, or stop by our office to receive your application.
Our application process begins with small group orientations. During the orientation, you will learn about financing, house sizes and options, and program timeframes. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the program.
Use the links below to sign up for an online orientation or join one of our monthly in person orientations at our office. Please contact us at (360) 379-2827 or info@habitatejc.org with any questions.
and will be available through 2024. In person orientations are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m.in our office upstairs at 2001 W Sims Way, Port Townsend.
Zoom Meetings will be held every 3rd Monday from 2 pm to 3 pm and every third Thursday from 6 pm to 7 pm. Follow one of these links to select a date and sign up for an online orientation. Please call (360) 379-2827 or email info@habitatejc.org to inquire about in person orientations.
The three criteria for building a house with Habitat are:
Need
- Habitat partners with people who need a decent and affordable place to live. If you live in “substandard” housing and cannot solve your housing issues on your own, you may qualify.
- Substandard can mean unsafe or unhealthy, lacking utilities, too costly, overcrowded or temporary.
Ability to Repay a Mortgage
- As a partner family, you will buy a house from Habitat that you help build. You will repay a low cost mortgage not exceeding 30% of your income.
Willingness to Partner
- Homeowners invest 250 to 400 hours of sweat equity labor in building their own house. In addition, monthly homeowner classes prepare families for responsibilities of homeownership.
FAQ
What documentation do I need to apply?
- Homeowners invest 250 to 400 hours of sweat equity labor in building their own house. In addition, monthly homeowner classes prepare families for responsibilities of homeownership.
What if I need an accommodation?
We’ll work with you! We offer accommodations so that everyone who is willing can participate in our programs, for example:
- Translation services
- Sweat equity adapted for disabilities
- Homebuyer education available for hearing or vision impaired
- Home modifications based on disability related needs
- Assistance completing paperwork
- Additional accommodations available. Just ask!
What income do I need to qualify?
We work with people whose gross income is 40-80% of the area median for their household size. Some sources of income such as social security, disability, SNAP and other benefit income make your total income more difficult to calculate. If these are part of your income, or if you are elderly or have dependents, you will want to work directly with our homeowner services manager to determine if your income meets our guidelines.
We review your entire financial picture, including your income, credit history and total debt, to determine if you qualify for a mortgage to purchase one of our houses. The best way to find out if you qualify is to apply so that our Homeowner Services team can review your unique financial situation with you. We take a lot of factors into account; you might be surprised you qualify.
What happens if I don’t qualify for a Habitat program?
Our Homeowner Services team will be transparent with you as to why you did not qualify and will work with you to help you qualify in the future!
How long will it be until I know if my application has been selected?
It can take up to 4-6 months until an applicant is selected to participate in our program. We’ll update you every 30 days on the status of your application.
Once I’ve been selected, how long will it be until I have a house?
It can take 12-18 months from the time of selection until you buy your Habitat home.