Habitat For Humanity – FAQ

Habitat homes are three bedrooms and two-baths and are 1,200 square feet. All of our homes are single story, wood frame structures that earn the highest energy ratings possible.

Habitat homes are built by volunteers and the partner family but some areas must be done by licensed contractors.

Depending on weather, it takes four months to build a home.

Habitat homes are sponsored by businesses, corporations, churches, civic organizations and private foundations that donate money to cover the cost of construction. Sometimes the funding for a home comes from one source, but more often it comes from several sources joining together to build a home.

Families who qualify to build and purchase a Habitat home must meet the following criteria:

• Legally reside or work in Smith County for at least one year
• Consistent,  annual household income of 50% to 80% of the median income of Smith County residents
• Demonstrate need for a home
• Ability to make monthly mortgage payments
• Pass credit, sexual offender and criminal background checks
• Willingness to invest 300 to 500 “sweat equity” hours in the building of their home and other Habitat homes

A partner family is a family that has completed the application process and been qualified to partner with Habitat to build and purchase a home.

Applicants who have met a rigorous set of qualification requirements, including:

• Show a NEED for better housing such as overcrowded living conditions, substandard housing, accessibility needs, and/or high rent payments
• Prove the ABILITY TO PAY mortgage payments
• Demonstrate a WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER with Habitat by returning documents in a timely manner , being on time for meetings, attending mandatory classes, completing sweat equity hours and showing a good attitude
• COMPLY with the conditions of the Habitat for Humanity of Smith County Partnership Agreement

No. We build homes with people in need and sell them with an affordable mortgage loan.