DC Habitat for Humanity uses tax-deductible donations of money and materials as well as volunteer labor and “sweat equity” done by applicants to build homes. Houses are sold to low income residents of the nation’s capital through a no profit, no interest mortgage that is paid by the homeowner in monthly payments over 25 years. DCHFH uses these payments to build more homes.

Understanding Our Program
The first step is to thoroughly review the criteria and terms of partnership explained in the Homebuyer Information Packet in order to determine whether our program is a good match for you. If you are unable to download the packet, please call or email to request that one be mailed to you (info@dchabitat.org or 202-882-4600).

After reviewing the Homebuyer Information Packet, you should send us your contact information using the form provided in the packet. We will save your information and invite you to the next Orientation Workshop once the next one is scheduled.

Orientation Workshop
Orientation workshops are scheduled ONLY when DC Habitat for Humanity is ready to select additional homebuyers. The workshop provides an opportunity for interested people to learn about DCHFH and meet members of the Family Selection Committee, board of directors, staff and current DCHFH homeowners.

Application
Applications are available only to those who attend an orientation workshop. To complete your application, you must gather and submit various required documents to the DC Habitat office, including but not limited to: proof of income, credit analysis, W-2, proof of rental history. The DCHFH Family Selection Committee will review all documents.

Those who meet the preliminary eligibility criteria will be invited to meet with a housing counselor to complete an application. Applicants will provide additional documents about their income, credit history, and other relevant information as proof that the applicant meets DC Habitat’s requirements for home ownership. Applicants must also pay the required fee and sign an authorization for us to acquire their credit report.

The Family Selection Committee will then review the applications, and those who best fit DC Habitat’s requirements will receive a home visit by the Family Selection Committee. Based upon the application and the home visit, the Family Selection Committee will identify the most qualified applicants and present them to the DCHFH Board of Directors for consideration. The committee will then notify all applicants of the results.

Partnership and Purchase
The selected applicants will be granted “conditional approval” for home ownership at this stage. To complete the approval process, candidates must also complete the following three steps:

1. 300 hours of "sweat equity."
2. Homeowner education classes, designed to inform and empower
   participants as homeowners and consumers.
3. Maintain at least the required minimum credit score, provide a
   $500 down payment, and pay the closing costs at time of purchase.
   

Income Requirements - Updated 8/2008

Applicants must earn above the Federal Poverty Line, but below 50% of Area Median Income:

#Family Members	Minimum Income	Maximum Income
1	$10,400	$33,100
2	$14,000	$37,800
3	$17,600	$42,550
4	$21,200	$47,250
5	$24,800	$51,050
6	$28,400	$54,800
7	$32,000	$58,600
8	$35,600	$62,350

 

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