Habitat for Humanity

Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications
for families interested in applying to purchase a Habitat for
Humanity home in Elizabeth City and Camden County.
The affiliate had hoped to build a house in 2016 but didn’t couldn’t
find a qualified applicant. “We had a number of applicants who could
demonstrate a need but they didn’t have the necessary credit score
or income,” said Fran Sutton, president of Elizabeth City Habitat for
Humanity. “When we choose a family, we want to make sure they
will be successful home buyers.”
Although ECHFH does not charge interest on the loans and sells the
houses at cost, qualified applicants must be able to pay a monthly
mortgage of $600, which includes taxes and insurance. This payment
must not exceed 30% of the family’s gross monthly income.
In addition to meeting income requirements, applicants must live in
either Pasquotank or Camden County, have a need for the house
(such as high rent or utility bills, poor insulation, unsafe or unsanitary
conditions), and must be willing to partner with ECHFH by contributing
500 hours of “sweat equity.” Sweat equity hours can be earned
by attending new homeowner meetings to learn how to budget,
working in the local Sale Store, working on the construction of their
own home and working on other homes being built in the area.
After applications are received and reviewed, a member of the Family
Selection Committee arranges a home visit to access the family’s
need. Applicants must also meet with a mortgage broker to examine
their credit history. After this information
has been gathered, the Family Selection
Committee makes recommendations to
the Board of Directors concerning qualified applicants.
“It is important that people who wish
to apply to realize that these houses
are not given away,” Sutton explained.
“There are qualifications for these no-interest mortgages just as
there would be for conventional mortgages.”
Habitat houses typically have 1100-1200 sq. ft. They are simple
houses built to get families into a decent affordable house of their
own. ECHFH will be partnering with the City of Elizabeth City to
make the Elizabeth City home as energy efficient as possible.
Applications are available at Taylor Mueller Realty, 440 S. Hughes
Blvd. or at the ECHFH Sale Store, 306 Mill St. Applicants must submit
the completed application, credit report, proof of income and
proof of employment.
For further information, contact Fran Sutton, 252-338-8360, or Jane
Elfring, 252-384-0115.
Jane Elfring, Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity Vice-President
252-384-0115
jelfri@bellatlantic.net