Apply for a Home

The information below is a guideline for families interested in applying for and partnering with Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex.

What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is a non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Our mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Habitat for Humanity sells homes to low-income families. Families in need of affordable housing partner with Habitat by contributing time and effort to the construction of their own homes and/or the homes of other Partner Families. Habitat believes in a hand up, not a hand out.

Who can apply?
Habitat for Humanity is open to all Canadians and Landed Immigrants from all cultures and traditions. You must have at least 3 years permanent residency in Canada. When we say “families” we are referring to a wide variety of family structures including single parent families, couples, families with children, and families with elder relatives living in the same home. We are open to persons of any faith, or who do not belong to any faith, if they share our goal to end poverty housing.

Building Homes - Building Neighbourhoods:
Habitat for Humanity wants to do more than build houses, we also want to build a strong community. That is why we are looking for families who are willing to work with us and with others. We are looking for good neighbours.

Partnership - not Charity:
Contrary to the myth, Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes - homes are sold to our Partner Families. We work with people who seek to help themselves.

Sweat Equity:
Each selected Partner Family will volunteer a minimum of 500 hours of what we call “Sweat Equity” which must be completed prior to moving into a Habitat home. Families will work on their own home and may work on the homes of others, in our office or one of our ReStore locations or at fundraising events. Sweat equity is an important way for future homeowners to demonstrate their commitment to home ownership and participation in the partnership of Habitat for Humanity. At no time will any family or volunteer be compensated for this volunteer activity.

Cost and Size of Habitat Homes:
Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent homes with some volunteer labour in order to help reduce construction costs, but the final selling price is determined by two main factors, the construction costs and the land and development costs.

Typical home sizes are as follows:
900 square feet for a 2-bedroom house
1050 square feet for a 3-bedroom house
1150 square feet for a 4-bedroom house

The Partner Family is also responsible for the payment of property taxes, insurance, maintenance and all costs associated with owning and operating a home.

No Interest Mortgage:
The home is purchased from Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex with no interest mortgages. The mortgages have a number of special terms, such as requiring that the homeowners remain the principal occupants of the home and keeping it in proper repair.

How do I apply?
Potential Partner Families can request an application from Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex by contacting the Family Support Officer at (519)969-3762 ext. 22 or by email at apply@habitatwindsor.org. Applicants may be required to attend an Information Night meeting to learn about Habitat in Windsor-Essex, the application process, and receive answers to any questions they may have.

The Family Selection Criteria:

1. NEED FOR ADEQUATE SHELTER: Families living in substandard housing are given preference. Some factors that are considered include:

• Poor conditions for issues like wiring, ventilation, heating or bathroom facilities;
• Medical disabilities and general health conditions that are made worse by current housing;
• The location of housing is not accessible to schools, shopping and transportation or in a safe community;
• Overcrowding for the number of people living in the home; and
• Percentage of income currently spent on housing is too high.

Part of the approval process involves an in-home interview by two members of the Family Selection Committee. Families currently living in subsidized housing are also eligible to apply.

2. ABILITY TO PAY: You must have the ability to pay a mortgage and maintain a home.

• You must have a job and show a work history of 3 years. Sources of income that are considered in the review include employment income, spousal and child support, child care supplements, child tax benefits, pensions and some forms of social assistance. We will ask for income verification of all working persons intending to live in the home.

In order to qualify for partnering on the homes below, your total gross income of homeowners must fall within the following parameters:

One Bedroom Home
One person or couple, no children
Income is above $20,000 and less than $27,500

Two Bedroom Home
One person or couple, plus one to two children
Income is above $20,000 and less than $34,000

Three Bedroom Home
One person or couple, plus two or three children
Income is above $20,000 and less than $40,500

Four Bedroom Home
One person or couple, plus four or more children
Income is above $20,000 and less than $43,500

As determined by LICO (Low Income Cutoff)

In addition to the costs of home ownership, the amount of long term debt is considered. We are trying to confirm that a family can pay for a no-interest mortgage in approximately 25 years.

• Families must be able to pay for expenses associated with closing the real estate transaction and their moving costs; and
• The amount of the monthly payment is based on 25% of the family’s total gross income.

3. WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WINDSOR-ESSEX: You must be willing to partner with us and help advance the mission of Habitat for Humanity. In the selection process:

• We will ask you to give us references and supporting statements for most of the criteria;
• We will look at your employment history and credit reference report;
• We will look at how you show determination to improve your family’s current situation;
• The Family Selection Committee will visit your current home to see your needs and speak with you personally;
• We will look at how you show willingness to participate in Habitat for Humanity activities; and
• We will look at how you show your willingness to do the work involved.

For Application Click Here:

• Download Application