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How to Apply for a Cass River Habitat for Humanity House 

Homes are built using volunteer labor and some donated materials. Then employing biblical economics, homes are sold to families in need, at no profit and a zero-interest mortgage. This is not a rental program! Habitat partner families repay the cost of the house using an interest-free mortgage. This money is then used to build more houses in Tuscola County.

Homeowners, in addition to repaying the cost of the home, are required to participate in the construction of their new home and to help other prospective homeowners build their homes. This is called sweat equity and is a mainstay of Habitat's practices.

If you are interested in being considered for the Habitat program, please contact the
Family Selection Committee at: (989) 325-1807.

The Applicant Selection Process

  • The applicant family must fill out and submit an application by the specified deadline date.
  • The Family Selection Committee will review the application to verify that prospective families meet the selection criteria. (Most criteria are set by Habitat for Humanity International.) A team (typically consisting of 2-3 people) from the Family Selection Committee will visit the applicant at home to interview the family and verify details on the application.
  • Once all eligible applicants have been visited, the Committee ranks the applicants and makes a recommendation to the Board.
  • The Board makes the final decision and notifies the applicants by mail and personal visits.
  • For an application, please contact the Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee at (989) 325-1807

Criteria for Eligibility

Applicants are judged on housing need, ability to pay for Habitat housing and willingness to partner with Habitat.

Applicants must meet specific criteria in order to be eligible for a Habitat home:

 

  • The applicant family must complete an application.
  • Applicant cannot be eligible for a conventional housing loan.
  • If the applicant is undergoing divorce, the divorce must be final at the time of application.
  • Applicant must have a family income of 35 – 50% of the Tuscola County and State median income (see chart below).
  • Applicant family must be willing to work 250 - 400 hours on Habitat projects (this is called sweat equity). One hundred hours (100) must be completed prior to beginning construction on their home.
  • The applicant must show the ability to live on a budget and keep a house in good condition.

Income Guidelines as of 2007 (subject to change)

 

Family Size Qualifying Monthly Income
1 person $895 - $1,588
2 persons $1,024 - $1,815
3 persons $1,151 - $2,042
4 persons $1,279 - $2,269
5 persons $1,381 - $2,451
6 persons $1,483 - $2,633
7 persons $1,585 - $2,813
8 persons $1,687 - $2,994

240 N. State Street ~ P.O. Box 146 ~ Caro, Michigan 48723-1561

Phone:  989-325-1807 email: info@cassriverhabitatforhumanity.org