Highlands County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing, homelessness and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

Habitat has an open-door policy: All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion, and we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.

Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership; everyone can use a hammer to manifest God’s love.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office 863-385-7156 or via email

Nancy Ginorio, Manager of Family Services nginorio@habitathighlands.org

 

QUALIFYING FOR A HABITAT HOME:

In order to qualify for a Highlands County Habitat home you must meet the following criteria:

NEED:

1-Applicant is living in substandard housing (severe problems with heating, water, structural, sanitation, vermin or location).

2-Overcrowded (number of persons in household in relation to sleeping accommodations).

3-Rent a burden to income (pay more than 50 percent of income for rent).

WILLING TO PARTNER:

1-Families must be willing to help build their home and the home of their neighbors by providing sweat equity: a single adult is 300 hrs, and a two-adult family is 400 hrs.

2-Accept home in areas were we are building.

3-Must attend a Home Buyers class.

4-Attend a Consumer Credit Counseling Service budgeting class.

5-Attend monthly Family Support Workshops

INCOME REQUIREMENTS:

1-Gross household yearly income should be no more than the HUD guidelines for low and very low income/per family size.

2-Must show stable monthly income sufficient to meet routine expense, maintain the house and make monthly Interest Free

mortgage payments.

3-Acceptable Credit, No Judgments, No bankruptcies within the last 3 years.

4-Make down payment of $700.00.

5-Must save and maintain a savings of at least $1,000.

INCOME GUIDELINES:

 

FAMILY SIZE	VERY LOW(50%) INCOME LIMITS	EXTREMELY LOW(30%) INCOME LIMITS		LOW(80%) INCOME LIMITS
1 Person	$16,350	$9,800		$26,150
2 Persons	$18,700	$11,200		$29,900
3 Persons	$21,000	$12,600		$33,600
4 Persons	$23,350	$14,000		$37,350
5 Persons	$25,200	$15,100		$40,350
6 Persons	$27,100	$16,250		$43,350
7 Persons	$28,950	$17,350		$46,300
8 Persons	$30,800	$18,500		$49,300