Habitat for Humanity -- by Jane Elfring

Have you ever wondered how someone qualifies to purchase a Habitat for Humanity home?

Habitat for Humanity’s motto is “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.” Habitat homes are not free. Habitat homeowners have to meet eligibility requirements to purchase an interest-free, at-cost house. Applicants must have the ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment which includes taxes and insurance.

Applicants for a house from Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity must live in Pasquotank County. Although the income range varies according to the size of the family, the maximum gross income for a family of four is $45,600.

Habitat rules require families to pay no more than 30% of their monthly income for their mortgage. We do not want to put families in the position of possibly losing their home because they are unable to make their monthly payment.

Applicants must have a specific need for the house. Some examples include high utility bills, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or high rent. Home visits are made to verify the conditions stated on the application.

A final requirement is the willingness to partner with Habitat. This means that family members are willing to invest 500 hours of sweat equity in the construction of their home as well as others Habitat builds in the area. Friends can also contribute their time to help families meet this requirement.

Interested applicants are also required to complete a First Time Homebuyers class offered by River City Community Development Corporation. This class is designed to help applicants successfully make the transition from renter to homeowner.

For further information about the path to Habitat home ownership, call, 252-384-0115.