Homeowner application process
Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity is not accepting applications for homeownership at this time. We are currently in the process of building a house and have already selected the family for the next one.
When we begin accepting applications again we will post the application form and instructions on this page.
How can I qualify for a Habitat home in the Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat area?
All candidates must:
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currently live in substandard or overcrowded housing;
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live in Grundy County or the village of Channahon or Braidwood;
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have stable income;
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earn no more than 60% of the area median income;
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contribute 400 “sweat equity” hours (family and friends can help);
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have the ability to pay a no-interest loan
If selected, the homeowner is required to attend home ownership budgeting and maintenance sessions.
Do I get a Habitat home at no cost?
No. Habitat homeowners invest 400 hours in building their own homes, and the homes of others. Homeowners also pay for the home through a no-interest loan over a 20 or 30 year term. What a homeowner pays for the home is based on what he/she can afford. The cost of the home will not exceed 25-35% of the homeowner’s total annual income. Payments typically average about $500 per month, including taxes and insurance.
How do I know if my income qualifies me for a home?
Total annual earnings of the potential homeowner cannot exceed 60% of the area median income. However, the potential homeowner also must have a steady income that enables him/her to pay a no interest loan. The median income for Grundy County was $71,600 in 2000.
Where will my home be built?
Our homes are built wherever we can find affordable, buildable land within the Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat boundaries. Families can turn down a site once, but they go to the end of the line before being offered a site again.
How long will it take for my house to be built?
Once the house is started, it takes about 6-9 months to finish a home. Because we are an organization that is nearly an all-volunteer, it can be over a year from the time a family is selected to the time they move in. A support specialist is assigned to the family during the wait.
What are “sweat equity” hours?
Families put in 400 hours of volunteer service, contributing at least 100 hours before their own home is started. Immediate family members can help accumulate some of the hours. (Other volunteer service is accepted for those physically not capable of working at the site.) |
