Applying for a Home

FAMILIES ARE USUALLY SELECTED TWICE A YEAR:   ONCE IN SPRING AND ONCE IN FALL.

Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, non-profit housing ministry whose purpose is to build or renovate decent, affordable houses in partnership with families, couples or single people who could not otherwise own a home. Houses are sold to qualified participants on a no-profit, no-interest basis with mortgage payments ranging from 10-30 years.

FAMILY SELECTION CRITERIA

NEED

A.    Inadequate current shelter: problems with heating, water supply, electricity, bathroom(s), kitchen, structure, or other health and safety conditions.
B.    Inadequate number of bedrooms for family size and/or gender.
C.    Income should be between 25% and 50% of the Area Median Income. Higher incomes may be allowed in some cases.We will calculate your income from the information you provide us.
D.    Inability to obtain a conventional or government-assisted home mortgage from a financial institution. A letter of denial will be required.

 ABILITY TO PAY

A.    Ability to demonstrate a history of financial responsibility.   Credit references will be requested and verified.
B.     Pay 2% of the anticipated mortgage as a down payment (approximately $1,000­-1,500).Monthly payments toward the down payment will begin after the Letter of Acceptance is signed by all parties.The monthly payment amount will be negotiated with each family. If the family fails to meet the requirements in the Letter of Acceptance or decides not to continue in the program, the collected funds will be refunded.
C.    Meet Habitat guidelines for housing payments and debts as related to income.We will calculate this from the information you provide us.

 WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE AS A PARTNER WITH HABITAT

A.    Agree to meet the Habitat "sweat equity" requirement, which is 400 hours of labor on your house and the houses of others (100 on other sites, 250 hours on own home, 50 hours flexible). Work contributed by friends and relatives can be counted toward fulfillment of the sweat equity requirements on your home.Work may include construction, clean-up, office work, publicity, etc.
B. Attend classes in financial counseling, household management and home maintenance skills. These hours will count toward your sweat equity requirement.

Currently you can pick up applications at any local public library in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie.  You may also request an application be sent by calling 715-833-8993 or writing Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity, 2233 Golf Rd., Eau Claire, WI  54701-8048.  Additionally an application may be downloaded through a Word Document Application or through a PDF Application.