Habitat for Humanity’s Affordable Homeownership Programs empower families to become homeowners through a unique partnership. By providing access to affordable housing and financial education, we create opportunities for long-term stability and independence.

How It Works

• Application Process: Families in need of affordable housing complete an application to determine eligibility based on income, need, and willingness to partner with Habitat.
• Sweat Equity: Future homeowners actively participate in the construction of their homes and other Habitat projects, building their new home alongside community volunteers.
• Homebuyer Education: Participants attend financial literacy, budgeting, and homeownership workshops to prepare them for the responsibilities of owning a home.
• Affordable Mortgage: Habitat ensures homeowners receive affordable financing, offering low or no-interest loans to keep monthly payments manageable.
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have lived in Leon or Gadsden County for one year or more.
• Must have had the same job or source of verifiable income for 6 months or more.
• Must have household income within the income guidelines.
• Must be willing to make a small cash down payment.
• Must be willing to live on a lot provided by Habitat for Humanity
• Must be able and willing to work and contribute 400 “Sweat Equity Hours.”
  

Requirements if Approved

• All Habitat families must attend classes on owning and caring for a home.
• They will also learn budgeting and housekeeping skills.
• Families are responsible for the upkeep of their homes, including lawn care.
• The Habitat affiliate board and staff determine the house size and location
• Your employment and credit history will be considered when you apply. Your responsibility doesn’t stop after you move in.  Homeowners are expected to become active members of the Habitat for Humanity Community.
• Each homeowner must complete 400 “Sweat Equity Hours.”

Sweat Equity Hours

• These hours help build each family’s new home and provides a “Sweat Equity” down payment.
• Hours worked by the partner family assisting with construction of other Habitat homes, as well as construction of their own home.
• Hours worked by the partner family assisting with Big Bend Habitat Administrative duties as deemed appropriate.

Impact

• Helps families break the cycle of poverty through homeownership.
• Creates a safe environment for children to thrive.
• Promotes financial independence and generational wealth building.
  
  

How You Can Get Involved

• Volunteer: Help build homes and support families in achieving their dream of homeownership.
• Donate: Your contributions fund materials, land, and education programs to make these homes a reality.
• Advocate: Support affordable housing initiatives in your local community.
  
  

With Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Programs, families achieve more than a home—they gain a brighter future.