Program Information - Habitat for Humanity

EVERYONE DESERVES A DECENT &
AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL HOME

Program Qualifications

A non-profit homebuilder, Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario partners with low-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 set at up to 30% of the total household income, the Habitat homeownership solution not only helps to provide affordable housing for people in need, it enables low-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. We select eligible applicants based on three specific criteria:

"We are currently ONLY accepting applications for the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant and Norfolk, at this time."

Habitat Heartland Ontario homeowners are selected, in large part, based on their level of need. Applicants will be considered for a Habitat home if their present housing is not adequate and if they are unable to afford adequate housing through other conventional means.

Factors for consideration:

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

Habitat Heartland Ontario does not give homes away for free. Families must have a reliable source of income and demonstrate their ability to meet the obligations of homeownership plus any other debt obligations. All mortgages are fair market value and held by Habitat Heartland Ontario, maintaining affordability.

Factors for consideration:

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) or Ontario Works (OW) 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 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. Income of all household members over the age of 18 shall be included in total household income except:
- GST Rebate
- Ontario Works (OW) benefits
- Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) temporary benefits
- Employment Insurance (if parental leave, re-evaluate after re-employment)
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB) benefits
- Part-time income of a fulltime 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

Each applicant selected for homeownership with Habitat Heartland Ontario is called a Future Homeowner. Future Homeowners are considered our greatest Ambassadors and as such are asked to help us with a variety of initiatives that advance our mission.

Partnership requirements:

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 Future Homeowner must participate in the construction of their own homes, at our ReStores as well as other Habitat and community activities. 500 volunteer hours are required 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

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario helps eligible low-income families and individuals build and buy safe, decent, affordable homes through an affordable mortgage with payments set at an amount up to 30 percent of gross income. This solution not only helps to provide affordable housing for people in need, it enables low-income earners to build assets, reduce their dependence on other forms of social assistance and build strength, stability and self-reliance. We invite you to join us. By working together, we can build great things. Get involved today by contacting us at: info@habitat4home.ca

Those who feel they may qualify for a Habitat home must complete the simple eligibility quiz (by clicking the green button below) to determine if they should go forward with the full application process.

Complete the Eligibility Quiz

These questions will help you to determine whether or not you currently qualify for our homeownership program.

If you qualify to move onto the next step, you will receive an automated response inviting you to join our virtual Information Session. The sessions are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm on Zoom. If you are unable to join us at the next meeting, the link will be valid for you to join us the following month.

The Information Sessions are held to explain the full process for applying to the Habitat Homeownership Program and answer any questions you may have. Attendance is mandatory in order to be considered to move onto the application process. If you are unable to attend a live session, please reach out to one of our Homeowner Services Coordinators.

For Middlesex, Oxford, Perth and Elgin counties please email: familyservices@habitat4home.ca or call 519-455-6623 ext. 214.

In the counties of Brant and Norfolk, please email: familyservices-bn@habitat4home.ca or call 519-759-8600 ext. 532 "

NOTE: All applicants will be asked to provide personal information, if they move forward in the application process. Some of the items that will be required are:

Financial documentation to determine applicant's financial stability
Proof of citizenship/ID
Need for housing confirmation
References

EVERYONE DESERVES A DECENT &
AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL HOME

Program Qualifications

Homeowner Eligibility Criteria

Need for adequate housing

Ability to pay

Willingness to partner

How to Apply

Complete the Eligibility Quiz

Every Gift Makes A Difference. Thank You!

EVERYONE DESERVES A DECENT & AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL HOME

Program Qualifications

Homeowner Eligibility Criteria

Need for adequate housing

Ability to pay

Willingness to partner

How to Apply

Complete the Eligibility Quiz

Every Gift Makes A Difference. Thank You!

EVERYONE DESERVES A DECENT &
AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL HOME