Applying for a Home
NOTE: Effective 8-1-2010, Show-Me Central Habitat has changed its application procedures. Please review the following information carefully.
What Should I Do First? After you've read this, and you've decided you might qualify, please complete and turn in our Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. You can either drop the completed questionnaire by the Habitat Office, fax to 573-875-2848 or mail it in.
What Happens Next? If you meet the basic requirements based on your responses on the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, you will be provided a full Habitat Home Application and a list of required supporting documentation. Complete the application and return it to the Habitat Office with the supporting documentation.
Where Do I Apply? Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and applications should be sent or delivered to the Habitat Office at 1906 Monroe Street, Columbia, MO, 65201.
Do I Get To Choose The Building Site? We will post available building sites for which we are currently accepting applications. You may choose to apply or not, depending on suitability of the location for your family. You may not always get to pick a particular site within an area. You can check the Habitat website periodically to learn about other building sites as they become available.
What Sites Are Currently Available? We are currently accepting applications for the following areas:
- 516 Jackson Street
- 400 Ridgeway Place – Approximately 2 blocks south of Worley Street west of Ridgeway Avenue.
- Creasy Springs Ridge – Approximately 1 mile north of the I-70 traffic circle at Creasy Springs Road and Proctor Drive.
More Information
Will Habitat Do Credit Checks? Yes, Habitat will do Credit and Criminal Checks and will review Payment Histories for rent, utilities and other miscellaneous debt.
How Long Before I Know If My Family Has Been Selected? If Credit, Criminal Checks or Payment Histories are not satisfactory, you will receive a letter within 30 days. If the Credit, Criminal Checks or Payment Histories are satisfactory, an In-Home Interview will be scheduled with the family.
What Information On a Credit Check Might Not Allow My Application To Be Considered? Liens, judgments, multiple collection accounts, vehicle repossession, recent bankruptcy, unpaid child support, unpaid student loans.
What Information On a Criminal Check Would Not Allow My Application To Be Considered? A drug distribution conviction and/or a sexual offense conviction against a minor.
What Information On Payment Histories Might Not Allow My Application To Be Considered? Multiple late payments, unpaid balances.
What Happens If I'm Approved? You'll be assigned a Habitat Partner, you will sign a Letter of Acceptance, you will receive worksheets to record work hours and you may go to work immediately on your sweat equity hours. A review of house plans with you will be scheduled as soon as possible.
Do I Have To Help Build? Yes. You must work a minimum of 250-300 (sweat equity) hours, which includes 7 workshops. You must complete 50 hours of sweat equity before work on your house begins. You must continue to work on your house until it is completed. Accommodations can be made for applicants with disabilities.
How Much Time Do I Have to Complete Sweat Equity Hours? All hours and workshops must be completed before a closing date is set for you to purchase your home.
What's The Total Maximum and Minimum Yearly Gross Income My Family Can Have?
| Family Size | Maximum | Minimum |
| Family of 8 | $49,920 | $24,950 |
| Family of 7 | 46,860 | 23,450 |
| Family of 6 | 43,860 | 21,900 |
| Family of 5 | 40,800 | 20,400 |
| Family of 4 | 37,000 | 18,900 |
| Family of 3 | 34,020 | 17,000 |
| Family of 2 | 30,240 | 15,100 |
| Family of 1 | 26,460 | 13,250 |
(You do not have to include child support.)
Maximum income is based on 60% of Columbia's Median Income.
Minimum income is based on 30% of Columbia's Median Income.
** Note: These income limits change yearly. (7/10)