New Homeowner Program
A path to your safe, affordable home
Everyone deserves a decent place to live.
At Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County (HFHIC) we believe in a world where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. Through programs such as New Homeownership, A Brush with Kindness and Rock the Block, we help families accomplish this goal.
New Homeowner Selection Process
The selection of homeowners is done by our Homeowner Selection Committee using standardized selection criteria that does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, handicap, religion, marital status, or because all or part of the applicant’s income is derived from public assistance programs.
Need for Housing
Our applicant(s) must demonstrate that their current housing situation has one or more of the following characteristics:
- Unsafe or very poor conditions or located in a particularly unsafe area.
- Rent, or contribution currently paid towards rent, exceeds 35% of net income.
- Size is inadequate for the present or anticipated residents.
- Other facts demonstrating a need for the type of housing Habitat can provide, that goes beyond a personal desire to own a home.
Demonstrated Ability to Pay
- Gross household income must be between 30% and 60% of the median income for the Ionia County area at the time of application.
- A two-year history of stable income and employment.
- An acceptable credit history, which includes a good record of paying rent and utilities.
- Bankruptcies must have been discharged for at least two (2) years.
- Ability to cover closing costs and adjustments, as well as a $1000 down payment on the house.
- Ability to afford anticipated mortgage payments, including property taxes and homeowners insurance.
- Monthly payments for debt cannot exceed 40% of gross monthly income.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Willingness to Partner with Habitat
- Applicant must complete at least 275 hours of sweat equity towards the building of Habitat homes.
- Applicant must be willing to live in a neighborhood in which Habitat is currently building.
- Applicant must be willing to attend required workshops for success in homeownership.
- Applicant must comply with our other sweat equity policies.
Income Requirements
In order to qualify for one of our programs, you must qualify under our income limits, which are listed below according to Michigan State Housing Development Authority or MSHDA:
Let's Build Your Home Together
Here at Ionia Habitat we’re ready and willing to partner with you and provide you with the home that you need. We’re dedicated to providing shelter to those in need and providing a hand up to those who need it most.
Need to Fix Up Your Current Home?
Maybe you already have a home, but you need some help will small exterior repairs, a wheelchair ramp, etc. If you’re in need of assistance with small exterior repair, then our program A Brush with Kindness may be just what you’re looking for! Click the button below to learn more!