Homeownership

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area is an ecumenical housing ministry with the goal of eliminating poverty housing.  Unwilling to accept the fact that thousands of families live without adequate shelter, Habitat challenges and invites individuals, religious organizations of all faiths, companies, foundations, and other organizations to join with us to improve the living conditions of people existing in inadequate housing.  In order to do that, Habitat creates a joint venture in which those families who benefit from the housing contribute their labor in the form of 350 “sweat equity hours” to the successful completion of the home.

Families are selected based on their economic need and the inadequacy of their present housing.  They must prove their ability to meet a monthly mortgage payment and must commit to entering into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.  The Selection Committee uses these criteria to select a family and does not consider race, religion, handicap or sexual orientation.  Habitat is an equal opportunity housing partner.

When applying for home repairs, the same basic guidelines are followed to determine eligibility.

How to Apply

To apply for the Habitat homeownership program, you must attend an information homeowner workshop to receive an application. The application provides us with information on your employment history, income sources, level of debt, a willingness to partner, need for affordable housing, and other factors affecting mortgage qualification.

Meetings are held at least once a year in Harrisburg. To receive a notice with the dates of our next meetings, please call our office Monday through Friday, 9 to 4:30 at 545-7299

You may also request this information by e-mail from, awatson@harrisburghabitat.org with your name, address and phone number. Or click here for a printable request form and mail it to the address on the form.

Eligibility

Families who meet our income guidelines, demonstrate a need for decent, affordable housing, a willingness to partner, and who have a minimum of credit and debt issues will be referred to our Family Selection Committee. The Committee will then interview applicants to determine their level of need, willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage.

Families with incomes lower than 60 percent of the median for greater Harrisburg are eligible to apply. Families must be willing to live  in neighborhoods that are undergoing revitalization. Our homeowners are pioneers who are committed to working together to improve the safety and livability of their communities.

We fully support the Equal Housing Opportunity Act and follow a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.

Selection process

1. Once we receive your application, we request a credit report, then we contact you. Habitat staff will work with you to develop a plan to resolve/repair credit issues if your family appears otherwise eligible for the program.
2. Representatives from the Family Selection Committee will meet with you to review your application and important information such as income and budget. You may need to provide additional details to supplement the information in your application.
3. Upon approval of the committee, your application is sent to our Board of Directors for approval. Once approved, your family may begin building the 350 hours of "sweat equity" (volunteering to build Habitat homes)