Application Overview
We partner with low income families in the pursuit of affordable home ownership. What does that partnership look like? Thanks to our generous supporters we are able to sell homes at no profit and at a lower cost. Our partner families earn their home through sweat equity and paying back an interest free mortgage. Mortgages with insurance and property tax are currently averaging $500-$600.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for a habitat home you must meet our minimum income, credit, and criminal history requirements. Income requirements are currently set at 30-60% of Boone Counties median household income. Your credit score cannot be below 600. No credit score may be acceptable.
Applicants must also demonstrate need. Need may be your current living conditions, housing cost, over crowding or other factors. Finally, applicants must be willing to partner with Habitat and complete sweat equity hours. For information about these or other requirements please speak to a representative of Show Me Central Habitat for Humanity.
The U.S Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The covenant that all local affiliates sign with Habitat for Humanity International also specifies that HFH homeowner families are selected "according to criteria that do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or ethnic background".
When Is it?
Open application periods are held periodically based on home availability and may not be predictable. A notice will be placed on our website 30 days in advance of any open application period. Open application period is for the entire month of March 2023.
You may also join our email subscription list and get a notification 30 days in advance of any open application period. You must rejoin the email subscription list after every open application period.
**If you need assistance with your application, call 573-499-1202 and ask to schedule a individual appointment.
How do I apply?
You can pick up an application during an open application period at 1305 Business Loop 70 E, Columbia, MO. Applications must be returned by the posted deadline. Applicants are required to pay a $25 credit check fee.
Can I have the $25 dollar fee waived?
The $25 dollar fee is charged to cover the cost of running a credit check. We will waive the fee if you bring in a credit score report from a reputable source. You must bring in a report for yourself, spouse, and anyone who will be listed on the home title. The report cannot be more than 30 days old.
What's Next?
All applications are reviewed to ensure they meet the minimum guidelines. If you do not meet minimum requirements, a notice will be mailed to you. Applicants that pass initial screening are scored and entered into our pool of applicants. When the number of applicants exceeds the amount of families we can interview a lottery system is used. Essentially names are drawn to see who will be considered for a home. If you are drawn you will be ask to submit more paperwork and a home interview will be conducted.
Sweat Equity
All home recipients are required to put in 250 or more sweat equity hours before they can close on their home. This means you will be working with volunteers to build more homes. You may get the opportunity to work on your home or help on another habitat house. A minimum of 50 hours must be completed by members of the household. You can have family members or friends help you with the remaining hours. Accommodations may be made for people with disabilities.
Common Questions
Why do you check my credit?
We work hard to make homes affordable for low income families. The credit check is not about your income. A credit check tells us if you have a history of paying debts when you promise you will. It is currently the best method to predict if someone will default on a loan. Your credit score, late payments, unpaid balances, liens, judgements, multiple collection accounts, vehicle repossession, recent bankruptcy, unpaid child support, and unpaid student loans are all examples of items that may prevent you from being considered.
Criminal History
When looking at criminal, history we consider first if it will affect your ability to repay your mortgage and second if it could affect Habitat's reputation negatively. Examples of offenses that may exclude you from participating are serious drug distribution convictions and/or a sexual offense convictions against a minor.