Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payment, homeowners must invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

Family Selection Criteria

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, Inc. considers the following three areas when evaluating potential partner families:

     1. Family's housing need based on the suitability of your current shelter.
     2. Income and ability to pay the mortgage for a Habitat home.
     3. Willingness to partner with Habitat.

1.  Housing Need
Applicants will be considered for a Habitat home if the present housing is not adequate and if the applicant cannot obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with present structure: water, electrical, or sewage service; the heating system; or failure to meet municipal property maintenance standards. Also taken into consideration are the number, ages, and sex of the children compared to the number of bedrooms in the present home.

2.  Income and the Ability to Pay the Mortgage
Families will be considered if the total income is within the following Federal poverty guidelines:                                          

Since prospective homeowners will be buying a home from Habitat, the family must demonstrate the ability to afford a monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include the principal payment and the payment for taxes and insurance (escrow). There is no interest on the loan for a Habitat home.

3.  Willingness to Partner with Habitat
Applicants must complete 350-500 hours of volunteer work (sweat equity) with Habitat. Sweat equity may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, providing food for volunteers, and/or working in the Habitat Office. Up to 40% of the sweat equity can be contributed by friends and relatives. Total sweat equity hours must be completed prior to moving into the home.