Habitat Homeownership
Own your own home…working alongside your neighbors
Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity makes the dream of becoming a homeowner come true for qualified low to moderate income working families.
Over the last 30 years in partnership with individuals and families who need safe and affordable housing we have built 27 homes and repaired many more enabling local residents to live in more safe and secure environments.
Habitat Homeownership selection is based on three eligibility criteria:
Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity makes the dream of becoming a homeowner come true for qualified low to moderate income working families.
Over the last 30 years in partnership with individuals and families who need safe and affordable housing we have built 27 homes and repaired many more enabling local residents to live in more safe and secure environments.
Habitat Homeownership selection is based on three eligibility criteria:
- A demonstrated need for housing
- The ability to pay an affordable 3rd party mortgage and the living expenses that are associated with homeownership such as property taxes, homeowner insurance and utilities.
- A willingness to partner with Habitat in the fulfillment of all required responsibilities and in the performance of “sweat equity” volunteer work that includes helping to build your home and other Habitat homes.
We are now accepting applications for our new model 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in Niverville, and for upcoming home construction projects yet to be announced.
Click the link below for additional information.
Application Process
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
If you’re interested in applying, the process begins when Habitat acquires property for a project. There are a few steps:
The first is to read and understand the detailed eligibility criteria listed below. Then, fill out the Application for Housing and send it and other requested materials to the Family Services Coordinator at the address on the form. A Spanish Language version of the application can be found here.
You must also:
If you’re interested in applying, the process begins when Habitat acquires property for a project. There are a few steps:
The first is to read and understand the detailed eligibility criteria listed below. Then, fill out the Application for Housing and send it and other requested materials to the Family Services Coordinator at the address on the form. A Spanish Language version of the application can be found here.
You must also:
- Meet with Habitat staff to review your application and materials for completeness.
ELIGIBILITY
Habitat Partner Families are chosen based on evaluation of three criteria:
1. Need for Adequate Housing
Applicants must currently reside in housing that is either substandard or represents a severe cost burden. This may include living conditions that are overcrowded, unsafe, unsanitary, hazardous, or structurally compromised. Alternatively, applicants may qualify if their housing costs exceed 30% of their monthly household income, even if the housing is not considered substandard.
2. Ability to Pay
The total household income of the applicant must include income from all adult household members. Documentation required includes the most recent 2 years of W-2 statements, signed tax returns and 4 most recent paystubs to cover a 60-day/8- week period. The household income should be sufficient to enable affordable mortgage payments and must fall within 50-80% (adjusted for household size) of the FY2025 HUD determined Area Median Income for Columbia County which is $113,100.
1. Need for Adequate Housing
Applicants must currently reside in housing that is either substandard or represents a severe cost burden. This may include living conditions that are overcrowded, unsafe, unsanitary, hazardous, or structurally compromised. Alternatively, applicants may qualify if their housing costs exceed 30% of their monthly household income, even if the housing is not considered substandard.
2. Ability to Pay
The total household income of the applicant must include income from all adult household members. Documentation required includes the most recent 2 years of W-2 statements, signed tax returns and 4 most recent paystubs to cover a 60-day/8- week period. The household income should be sufficient to enable affordable mortgage payments and must fall within 50-80% (adjusted for household size) of the FY2025 HUD determined Area Median Income for Columbia County which is $113,100.
CGHFH assesses the financial readiness of each adult member of the applicant’s household but does not use your credit score as a criterion. Applicants must be able to pre-qualify for a mortgage equal to 30% of their gross monthly income. A satisfactory credit score is required by the 3rd party mortgage lender.
3. Willingness to Partner
Applicants must demonstrate that they are willing to partner with CGHFH by:
- Investing 200-400 hours (depending on household size) in “sweat equity” volunteer work. All families who purchase Habitat homes participate in building their homes and in working at other projects such as ReStore and Helping Hands. Friends and family members age 16 years and older are welcome to help earn hours.
- Attending approved first-time homebuyer education and financial readiness courses before purchasing a home.
- Committing to the maintenance and financial responsibility of the Habitat home.
- Agreeing to a Sex Offender Database Check and a Criminal Background Check as part of the application process.
- Responding promptly and truthfully to all Habitat requests for information and submitting all required documentation on time.
HOMEOWNER EDUCATION
When you become a Habitat partner family, you’re required to complete first-time home-buyer education classes before home closing. Topics include money management, information about mortgages, how to stay financially fit and tips on home maintenance and safety.
This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to be a successful homeowner.
This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to be a successful homeowner.
