Homeownership with Habitat
Our homeownership program offers individuals and families in need of an affordable housing the opportunity to help build and purchase their own home. Accepted applicants partner with South County Habitat for Humanity, this partnership continues throughout homeownership. From acceptance to closing the process typically takes 12 months.
To learn more, review our Introduction to Homeownership Guide, watch the introduction video to the right, and explore the topics below.
Affordability: The safety and security of owning your own home with an affordable mortgage and low utility and maintenance cost. Our homes are built to the highest energy efficiency ratings and designed to be easy and low-cost to maintain.
Education: All homebuyers participate in homebuyer education classes to prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Partnership: Homebuyers are able to learn practical skills and develop meaningful relationships with the Habitat community while getting the unique opportunity to help work on their own home!
Trusted Partner: For more than 35 years, South County Habitat for Humanity has sold Habitat homes to 89 homebuyers.
Benefits of Habitat Homeownership
Qualification
Need: Applicant(s) must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing
Ability to Pay: Able to pay a low interest mortgage and earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, (view chart on right).
Willingness to Partner: Applicant(s) agree to partner with Habitat including completing required hours of sweat equity, homebuyer education classes and other program requirements.
Based on HUD guidelines - subject to change
Journey to Homeownership - The Process
1. Applications open
Applications for Habitat homes open as soon as a project is fully funded, prior to the start of construction or renovation.
2. Submit complete application
Most application rounds are open for a 30-day period, in that time you must submit your complete application and required documentation. If you have questions during the process contact the Habitat office for assistance, we are here to help! Incomplete applications will not be considered.
3. Financial review
Applications are reviewed for financial eligibility by qualified financial professionals. If we have questions regarding your application we may contact you for clarification.
4. Board presentation
Applications that are financially qualified are presented to the Board of Directors for final approval. This is an anonymous process, the Board is not provided with any identifying information, only necessary information relating to income and need for housing.
5. Orientation
Applicants that are approved for homeownership meet with their newly assigned Homeowner Advocate* and Habitat staff for an in-depth review of the Habitat program. At this time the future homeowners sign a Partnership Agreement outlining the program requirements of both the buyer and SCHH.
*Homeowner Advocates are Habitat volunteers who volunteer their time partnering with future homeowners on their journey to homeownership, serving as a liaison between the family and SCHH.
6. Begin program requirements
After orientation the family will begin completing their sweat equity* requirements and taking required homebuyer education courses.
*Sweat equity refers to the non-monetary investment future homeowners contribute to the construction of their home or other SCHH projects. Sweat equity is primarily completed on the construction sites, but may also involve volunteering in the SCHH ReStore, assisting with or attending events, completing homeownership workshops, and more.
7. Home Dedication and closing
After all sweat equity hours and other program requirements have been satisfied, it is time for the home dedication! This is an exciting event where all of the volunteers, donors, supporters, the future homeowners, and their friends & family come together at the home to celebrate. This is a celebration of all the work put into the home as well as a way to welcome the family to their new home.
Soon after the dedication the future homeowners will sign their loan agreements and move into their new home.
How to Apply
We are not currently accepting applications for the homeownership program.
To help applicants prepare for application periods we have created a Homeownership Readiness Assessment found here.
South County Habitat for Humanity accepts applications on a periodic basis depending on opportunities available. During open application rounds you can submit your complete application along with supporting documentation electronically, via mail, or by dropping it off at our office in Charlestown.
View our Intro to Homeownership Guide here.
Where We Build
We build homes in every town within Washington County, Rhode Island.
In our 35 year history we have built 65 homes and repaired or made accessibility modifications on 50 more.
To the right is an interactive map of the permanent affordable homeownership units we have built.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeownership Readiness Assessment
This is not a homeownership application, but a tool to help you prepare for future application rounds. No documents are required, and all information shared is confidential and for internal use only. For best results complete this assessment on a computer rather than a mobile phone.
Questions? Contact Aliyya at 401-213-6711 ext. 305 or aliyya@southcountyhabitat.org.