Homeownership
Habitat partners with low-income buyers to purchase homes with an affordable mortgage payment.
Habitat provides buyers with the education and support to be successful in the homebuying journey and beyond. Our homeownership program takes buyers an average of 18-24 months to complete. While in the program buyers are matched with a homeowner advocate, participate in homebuyer education courses, and work on building their credit, savings & budgeting to be in the best financial situation.
Benefits of Habitat Homeownership
Affordability: Habitat homes are sold to income qualified buyers through a low-interest mortgage with affordable monthly payments equaling 30% or less of your households gross monthly income. 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 pre-purchase homebuyer education classes to prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Trusted Partner: For more than 32 years, South County Habitat for Humanity has sold Habitat homes to 77 homebuyers.
Selection Criteria
Need: Applicant(s) are currently in substandard or inadequate (overcrowded, substandard, unsafe, etc.) housing or household income is insufficient for a conventional mortgage.
Ability to Pay: Able to pay a 0% to low interest mortgage, make a 1% down payment, and earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Click here to view current income limits.
Willingness to Partner: Applicant(s) agree to partner with Habitat including completing required hours of sweat equity, homebuyer education classes and other program requirements.
How to apply
To learn more about homeownership opportunities complete our homeownership interest form 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.
Ramp Up RI
Ramp Up RI is a new program through South County Habitat for Humanity created for low income homeowners in Washington County in need of a handicap ramp for themselves or a household member. Staff and volunteers work together to build a ramp for those who qualify. Eligible projects are funded through grants and no-interest loans.
You may qualify for Ramp Up RI if:
You own your own home and it is located in Washington County, Rhode Island
You have current homeowners insurance
You or someone living with you is in need of a handicap ramp for accessibility
You have not received assistance from South County Habitat for Humanity in the past 3 years
You earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) see chart here
How to apply:
South County Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications for Ramp Up RI. To learn more about the program complete this brief questionnaire or contact us at 401.213.6711.
Serving Washington County since 1990
In our 32 year history we have built 57 homes and repaired or made accessibility modifications on 43 more.
Below is a map highlighting where we have built units of permanent affordable homeownership.