home ownership Information
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton builds simple, decent, affordable homes for families. We sell homes to families at no profit to us, and finance a zero-interest mortgage. We offer the opportunity to purchase a new home and begin to build equity through a mortgage.
The first step in the process of applying to become a homeowner family is to contact our Family Services Coordinator, Emilia Martini. She will discuss our family selection criteria with you. You may then be registered to come to a family information night.
| Emilia Martini, | 479.3566 extension 226 |
| Family Services Coordinator | emartini@edmonton.hfh.org |
family selection criteria
1. Need
Habitat for Humanity helps families with children. Families must demonstrate that they are in need of a Habitat for Humanity home and that their current housing conditions are substandard. This might mean that their current residence is too small, unsafe, too expensive, or improperly maintained.
2. Ability to Pay
Families must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments. They are also expected to pay any other expenses associated with homeownership, such as insurance, utilities and maintenance. This means that a family must have a total yearly income between $32,000 and $54,000. The family must also have little to no debt.
3. Willingness to Partner
Habitat for Humanity homeowners must be willing to work 500 hours of sweat
equity, which is volunteer labour done on our build sites. Habitat homeowner families
are able to participate in the building of their own homes, and the homes
of other families.
Families must also adhere to all policies and procedures set out by Habitat
for Humanity.
FAQ
Do I need to have children?
Yes. Habitat only works with families who have children.
I am a single parent. Can I apply?
Yes. Habitat works with both single-parent and two-parent families.
Members of my family can’t do physical labour, and I am worried that I won't be able to do the sweat equity. Can I apply?
Partner families are responsible for 500 hours of sweat equity; however,
Habitat allows friends and relatives to complete up to 100 hours
of this total. Other cases will be dealt with individually.
Can I choose where my house will be?
No. Habitat chooses build sites based on location and affordability.
I think I qualify. What do I do now?
If you think you qualify based on all three criteria, contact Emilia Martini
at the Habitat office by calling 479.3566 extension 226. She will discuss the selection criteria with you and may register you for an information session.