Own a Home
A non-profit homebuilder, Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario partners with lower-income families and individuals who cannot afford a conventional mortgage to build and buy simple, decent quality, affordable homes through an affordable mortgage. With monthly payments starting at 30% of the total household income, the Habitat homeownership solution not only helps to provide affordable housing for people in need, but it also enables lower-income earners to build assets, reduce their dependence on other forms of social assistance and break the cycle of poverty. Homeowners who will own a Habitat Heartland Ontario home are part of a complex selection process.
Currently our homeowner applicant queue is full. Please check back in the new year for new build projects starting.
We evaluate potential homeowners based on 3 criteria
1
Need for Adequate Housing
-
Applicants must be able to show proof of stable income for a minimum of 2 years.
-
Current living conditions are overcrowded, unsafe or unhealthy (e.g. inadequate structure, unsafe wiring, heating, water, poor sanitation, etc.).
-
Housing costs are too high (i.e. basic shelter costs are more than 30% of total household income).
-
Barriers exist for physically challenged family members.
-
Each member of the household is either a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
2
Ability to Pay
-
Total household income must not exceed the affordability income ranges identified for each new build project
*Habitat will determine the number of bedrooms required based on the age and gender of the children living in the home. -
Employment Insurance (EI), ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), Ontario Works (OW) and temporary WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board) payments are not acceptable sources of income.
-
Applicants will be asked to submit to a current credit reference check that shows a good credit history, as well as other required documentation from employers, landlords, banks, and credit lenders to confirm the reliability of income.
-
Applicants must be clear from collections for six or more months and can demonstrate that they are able to rebuild their credit and manage their budget.
-
Applicants must not have debt larger than 40% of the annual household income, including all household debt plus estimated monthly mortgage/taxes and property insurance.
-
Applicants who have filed for bankruptcy must be fully discharged for at least two years before applying to Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario. Applicants need to have demonstrated in those two years they are able to rebuild their credit.
-
An applicant must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years of steady income. The income of all household members over the age of 18 shall be included in total household income except:
-
GST Rebate
-
Child Disability Benefit (CDB) benefits
-
Part-time income of a full-time student
-
Overtime and bonuses which are unpredictable or a one-time event
-
-
Self-employment Income - An applicant should demonstrate consistent, verifiable income over a 3 year period by providing balance sheets, income statements & evidence that all income taxes are paid.
-
Selection will not be based on future earnings.
3
Willingness to partner
Partnership​
-
Be willing to help us publicly spread the word about Habitat and participate in media events when required.
-
Be willing to learn about the responsibilities of homeownership by attending a variety of Homeowner Education workshops.
-
500 Volunteer Hours - Each FHO must be willing to volunteer in one of our local ReStores, help with Habitat events or administration tasks on occasion. If available, they may be able to help in the construction of their own, or the home of others. 500 hours is a mandatory government requirement, in lieu of a down payment, and must be completed prior to moving into the home. These hours represent the Future Homeowner’s physical and emotional involvement in their Habitat home and community.
​
Volunteer Hours are designed to meet three goals:
-
Partnership — Volunteer Hours provide meaningful interaction between Future Homeowners, Habitat representatives and volunteers.
-
Pride of Ownership — Investing volunteer hours in their own home helps successful applicants begin the transition to ownership.
-
Development of Skills and Knowledge — on the building site, Future Homeowners can gain an understanding of the construction of their homes and future home maintenance needs.