We are no longer accepting applications for the 2022 home build.

Stay tuned for next year’s home build. 


Qualifications

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry whose purpose is to build homes with families and sell the homes at no interest for no profit.

 

In order to apply, potential families must meet the following eligibility requirements and income guidelines:

 

 

NEED FOR HOUSING
  • Live in overcrowded housing
  • Live in substandard housing
  • Pay more than 30% of gross income on rent
  • Live in an unsafe and/or unsanitary neighborhood

See more “Need for Housing” details below.

 

 

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER
  • Perform up to 300 hours of “sweat equity” which includes helping to build homes
  • Complete pre- and post-purchase programs which include financial counseling

See more “Willingness to Partner” details below.

ABILITY TO PAY
  • Meet minimum annual household gross income requirement for family size.
  • Have a satisfactory credit score
  • Be able to afford monthly mortgage payments, including escrow and insurance
  • Have a steady source of income for at least two years prior to applying
  • Have not claimed bankruptcy or had a foreclosure on/in the last two years

See more “Ability to Pay” details below.

 

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Live or work in Fond du Lac County for at least one year prior to applying
  • Have one year of continuous employment
  • Be a US Citizen or have permanent residency status

 

 

For More Information​

Before proceeding with an application, we ask that you coordinate a short meeting with our Office to go through the application and dispel any immediate questions.

 

Please call the Habitat for Humanity Office at (920) 921-6623 or email to make an appointmentIf you would like you could bring the filled out application, application fee and a completed income worksheet with you.

 

To Apply

No longer accepting applications at this time.

 

*Please note, if you are going to use the fillable application that is linked above, DO NOT use the “tab” button to go to the next field. You must click into the space to edit the text. “Tab” will not move you to the next field, it will only move the cursor within the current field.

 

 

– QUALIFICATION DETAILS–

 

 

Ability to Pay

Ability to pay is determined by information provided and collected during the application process.

Information on the paper application, pay stubs, benefit statements, previously filed federal tax returns, and credit reports are examples of the resources used to determine this ability.

 

Family Size​ 1-2
Household income not more than: $42,350
Household income at least: $23,150

 

Family Size​ 3-5
Household income not more than: $57,150
Household income at least: $29,750

 

Family Size​ 6 or more
Household income not more than: $69,850
Household income at least:​ $38,350

 

Family selection is based on need for adequate housing, ability to repay a no-interest mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat through the building of their home.

 

 

APPLICANTS MUST HAVE:

  • a steady, reliable source of income and demonstrate financial responsibility
  • the ability to pay a monthly house payment (taxes and insurance included)
  • the ability to pay projected monthly utilities (electric/gas & water/sewer)
  • NOT have filed for bankruptcy within the past two (2) years
  • NOT have outstanding collections, liens or judgments that cannot reasonably be paid by the completion of the home build
  • the ability to make a down payment of 2% of the final mortgage amount ($500 due before the beginning of construction)

 


Need

There Must Be A Demonstrated Need In Order To Qualify For A Habitat Home
Need is determined by a family’s current living conditions. Some examples of need are outline below (this list is not all-inclusive).

 

  • Structural/mechanical problems in building
    Visible holes or large cracks, leaks, hazardous/toxic materials, electrical problems, plumbing problems, appliances not working
  • Inadequate sleeping arrangements
    More than 2 persons share a room, different gendered children sharing a room, persons having to sleep on the floor
  • Unsanitary conditions or health risks
    Bugs, rodents, sewage or mold problems, stairway in disrepair, allergy concerns
  • Temporary or transitional housing
    Family currently living with relatives, family in emergency shelter, homelessness
  • Current housing does not meet the physical needs
  • Unable to obtain a conventional mortgage

 


Willingness to Partner

A partner family must be willing to complete “sweat-equity” hours.

“Sweat-equity” is when a partner family takes part in building their own home and other Habitat homes and may include activities such as clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, working in the Habitat office, or other approved activities.

 

  • A two-adult household is required to perform a minimum of 500 hours.
  • A single-adult family is required to complete 300 hours.
  • A portion of the sweat equity hours can be completed by family and friends.
  • All of the hours must be completed before the partner family can purchase the home.

​In addition, the partner family must also be willing to attend home buyer education classes.

 


– FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS –

 

How long is the process?
The application process takes roughly 6-8 months. The sweat equity requirement takes 12-18 months. It generally takes about 1.5 to 2 years to complete the entire process, from the date of the application to the house closing.
What if I'm not approved?
If applicants do not meet Habitat for Humanity Fond du Lac County criteria for homeownership and are not selected into the program, they will receive a letter with a description of the reason and a list of HUD approved Financial Counselors or a referral to another qualified organization.
Is there a limit to how often I can apply?
There is no limit to how many times an individual can apply for a Habitat home, so we encourage applicants who do not make it the first or second time to reapply!
Is there someone I can speak to about the application process and my questions?
Please call the Habitat for Humanity Office at (920) 921-6623 or email to make an appointment.