Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the qualifications for
homeownership?
- current house has problems with heating, water supply, electricity, bathroom, kitchens, roof, etc.
- current shelter doesn't have enough bedrooms
- current neighborhood is unsafe or unsanitary
- family is unable to qualify for a conventional or government-assisted mortgage.
You must be able to make a modest mortgage payment for you Habitat home. See "How to Apply for Ownership" for more details of the income requirements. You must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity by:
- Completing 225 hours of work ("sweat equity") on your home and other work. Some of these hours can be donated by others on your behalf.
- Maintaining your Habitat home after occupancy.
- Partnering in Habitat's nurturing program which includes training for home care, budgeting, and financial counseling.
- Helping other Habitat families.
- You must have lived or worked in either Richmond or Westmoreland Counties for at least one year.
- In order to pay mortgage, insurance and taxes, your present income must fall within the range given in the table below
| Family Size | You Must Make At Least | But Not More Than |
| 1 | $11,300 | $30,150 |
| 2 | $13,000 | $34,450 |
| 3 | $14,500 | $38,900 |
| 4 | $16,150 | $43,100 |
| 5 | $17,450 | $46,550 |
| 6 | $18,700 | $49,950 |
Q: How do I apply?
- Application Request Form
- If you or someone you know are interested in applying for a Habitat house, please click on the Application Request link, print it, fill it out, and mail it to us as directed. A form will be mailed back to you.
Housing-Application