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Application & Selection Process

“I never missed a mortgage payment.  In 2007, when I paid off the house in full, my friends at Habitat threw me a party.  When I held the deed to my own house it was one of the proudest moments of my life.” – Phyllis Meredith, the Charlottesville Habitat affiliate's first homeowner

Application and Selection Process

Thank you for your interest in the Habitat Homeownership and Pathways to Housing Programs. We believe that everyone should have a safe and affordable place to call home. If you or someone you know is interested in homeownership but face barriers due to income or credit, we invite you to learn more about our Homeownership and Pathways to Housing programs. 

Both the Homeownership program and Pathways program are a long-term commitment and partnership between Habitat for Humanity and future homeowners. The application process takes 5 months and the typical timeframe between approval for homeownership and purchase of a home is between 18 to 24 months. The typical timeframe between approval for the Pathways Program and graduation is between 18 and 24 months. 

Becoming a Habitat Homeowner

As active partners in the journey to homeownership, eligible Habitat homebuyers are:

          1. In need of better housing and our program

Potential homebuyers may be experiencing problems with their current neighborhood such as crime or environmental hazards or live in poorly built, unhealthy, damaged or inadequate housing. Alternatively, they may be experiencing homelessness or housing instability, pay rent that is unaffordable (more than 50% of total monthly income) or live in overcrowded conditions.  Potential Homebuyers may not have other options to achieve homeownership.

          2. Willing to partner with Habitat

Our homebuyers put in hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” building their own homes or those of their neighbors. Individuals with disabilities or otherwise unable to work at job sites are offered other volunteer opportunities to fulfill these requirements. Sweat equity hours may also include meetings or classes in personal finances, home maintenance, community conversations and other activities that help ensure long-term stability and success.

          3. Able to pay an affordable mortgage

Habitat offers homebuyers affordable mortgages. Habitat does not require good credit at the time of application and we partner with individuals throughout the homebuyer journey to improve their overall financial health and develop appropriate repayment plans to pay off existing debts.

Becoming a Pathways to Housing Neighbor

As active partners in the journey to financial stability, eligible Habitat Pathways Neighbors are:

          1. In need of better housing and financial coaching

Potential Pathways Neighbors might be dealing with low credit scores; debts in collections and/or judgments; difficulty finding employment; unaffordable rent; or aren’t sure how to get the financial help they need. 

          2. Willing to partner with Habitat

Pathways Neighbors must be willing to meet with their coach at least once a month to discuss progress towards financial freedom. Neighbors will set goals and discuss how to meet goals.  

Pathways Neighbors must also attend monthly group meetings with other Neighbors in the program. Meetings cover a variety of topics including budgeting, credit reports, repaying debt, collections and judgments, housing options, and loan programs.

Want to take the next step?

Are you interested in applying to our Habitat Homeownership Program or Pathways to Housing program? We are currently hosting Applicant Information Meetings (AIMs).  During AIMs we will go over the application process, the Habitat Homeownership program and the Pathways to Housing program. Please sign up for an AIM online.

Would you like to look over the application?  You can find the application for our 2020 application process here.  If you need help filing it our or have questions, please contact the Homeownership Team at familyservices@cvillehabitat.org or 434-293-9066.  PLEASE REMEMBER: we will accept applications between January 2, 2020 to January 20, 2020.  You MUST attend an AIM before we can process your application.  

If you are not sure that you would like to apply but would like to receive information about upcoming events and updates about the application process, please fill out the Homeowner Interest Form by clicking here.

  • 967 2nd Street SE
    Charlottesville, VA
    22902

    Hours:
    Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • 1221 Harris Street
    Charlottesville, VA
    22903

    Hours:
    Tues - Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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