Application and Selection Criteria

Below are the basic guidelines in qualifying families to obtain housing through ECHFH. Additional information can be provided at the time of application or during an orientation session.

Need

1. You must be a resident of Escambia County, Alabama in order to qualify for any program we offer. You must have been a resident of the county for the 12 months preceeding your application date in order to qualify.
2. You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate and you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the structure, water, electrical, sewage, or heating/cooling systems. Also taken into consideration are the number of occupants and the ages/sex of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your home.
3. Your income should fall within 30-80% of the median income for Escambia County. 
4. The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine your need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat interviewer.

Since you will be actually buying your home from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. The payment will include not only the mortgage payment, but also the payment for real estate taxes and insurance. We will help you to determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility. There is no interest on the loan for a Habitat home.

1. When selected, you become a "partner family" with Habitat. Your assistance in constructing your home and the homes of others is called "sweat equity" and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, cleaning during construction, providing food for volunteers or helping in the Habitat office. As a partner family, you must complete 400 hours of sweat equity. Hours worked by famly and friends may also apply toward your sweat equity.
2. You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of your house from the time you move in your home.
3. After moving into your home, the Family Support Committee will maintain an ongoing relationship with you, which includes financial counseling and household maintenance advice and education.