Habitat for Humanity - Delaware County, PA

About the Selection Process

Habitat for Humanity-Delaware County will look at three distinct selection criteria when reviewing a potential Partner Family (click on each to learn more about that criterion):

1. Housing Need: Your family's actual housing need based on the
suitability of your current shelter.
2. Ability to Pay: Your current income and ability to pay for a Habitat house
3. Willingness to Partner: Your willingness to participate as a
"Partner with Habitat"

The selection of families who will purchase homes from Delaware County Habitat for Humanity will be done by the Family Selection Committee. The committee will apply these criteria in a way that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, handicap, religion, marital status, or because all or part of the applicant's income is derived from public assistance programs.

How to Apply for Homeownership

Please contact our office by email, phone, or stop by in person to request an application. The Family Selection Committee will provide assistance throughout the application process.

Actual Housing Need

You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means.

Lack of adequate housing may include problems with: the existing structure; water, electrical or sewage systems; heating system; or failure to meet city property maintenance standards.

Family factors taken into consideration include the number, ages and sex of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your present home.

Income factors considered include the percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat representative.

Current Income and Ability to Pay

Since you will actually be buying your home from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include amounts for the loan's principal + real estate taxes + insurance. There is no interest on the loan for a Habitat home.

We will help you determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also refer you to credit counseling services that can help you develop a budget in order to determine your eligibility.

Generally, your expense to income and long-term debt to income ratio should be no more than 10% of your monthly gross income. These are only guidelines. Each applicant's situation is reviewed, and consideration is given to each family's unique financial situation.

Willingness to Partner with Habitat

When selected, you become a "Partner Family" with Habitat. As a "Partner Family", you must complete a predetermined number of hours of volunteer work with Habitat. This work will count toward you total "sweat equity" contribution which must be completed prior to your becoming a homeowner.

"Sweat equity" is assistance you provide in constructing your home and may include clearing the lot, helping with construction, painting, serve food to volunteers, or helping in the Habitat office.

Single Adult Family must complete 300 hours

Two Adult Family must comple 500 hours

You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of your house from the time you move into your home.