Do you Qualify?
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Applicants must have the ability to pay a long-term mortgage.
Habitat homes are not given away. Approved applicants will pay an affordable long-term home mortgage. Households must demonstrate steady income and must meet income criteria outlined below. |
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Applicants must be willing to partner with us.
Approved applicants must demonstrate their willingness to partner with Habitat by investing sweat equity in their home and the homes of other Habitat homeowners. They must also attend monthly homeowner education classes. |
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Applicants must have a need for housing.
Need is established based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: condition of current housing, space considerations, and cost burden. |
Additional Qualifications
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We also encourage you to review the Homeownership FAQs page.
Income Guidelines
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The income guidelines are calculated based on the applicant's household total gross income: money made before taxes and other deductions. |
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Income from all wages are included, i.e. SSI, SSDI, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, child support, etc. |
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Income guidelines are listed by household size. Review the table below to see current income guidelines. |
Please Note: Income numbers are approximate and depend on the number of people in the household and may change as new data is released by HUD. Meeting the stated eligibility requirements does not guarantee admittance into the program. We reserve the right to prioritize applications that demonstrate the lowest qualifying income and/or the greatest need.
How to Apply
Our application process has changed! Please note that review of applications will still include an equitable double-blind process designed to eliminate biased decision-making.
The application process utilizes a wait list which follows these basic steps:
1. Anyone interested in applying will contact our office to be added to the wait list.
2. When Habitat staff know we can build a home within 18-24 months, the next names on the wait list will be asked to return a completed application within 30 days.
3. When an application meets basic program criteria, two members of our Homeowner Selection Committee will contact the applicant to visit the current home. The purpose of this is to further assess the level of need for stable housing.
4. Qualified applicants will receive an acceptance letter inviting them to the program. We will then set up a meeting to welcome them and communicate important program information.
The application process utilizes a wait list which follows these basic steps:
1. Anyone interested in applying will contact our office to be added to the wait list.
2. When Habitat staff know we can build a home within 18-24 months, the next names on the wait list will be asked to return a completed application within 30 days.
3. When an application meets basic program criteria, two members of our Homeowner Selection Committee will contact the applicant to visit the current home. The purpose of this is to further assess the level of need for stable housing.
4. Qualified applicants will receive an acceptance letter inviting them to the program. We will then set up a meeting to welcome them and communicate important program information.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is a small non-profit organization. Because the need for affordable housing in Johnson County and the surrounding areas is significant, IVHFH receives far more applications than it can serve. Consequently, many applicants, despite meeting the criteria for the Homeownership Program and demonstrating significant need, are not approved each year. At any step in the application process, an application can be denied for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: need, unsatisfactory credit or debt-to-income ratio, annual income failing to meet guidelines, misinformation, or household instability.
Expectations for Approved Applicants and Habitat Homeowners
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When an applicant is approved, the hard works begins. Although it is not an easy process, the payoff in the end will be worth it. New skills are gained, friendships are formed, and lasting memories are created while building and then purchasing a Habitat home.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity expects the following of approved applicants and Habitat homeowners: 1. Once an applicant is approved by the IVHFH Board of Directors, applicants will meet with IVHFH staff to go over program requirements in detail and will sign a contract with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity that explains the expectations of partnership. 2. Each adult in an approved household will need to complete 250 hours of sweat equity, or volunteer hours. 3. Homeowners performing sweat equity hours are expected to be actively involved in the work being performed, and achieve a reasonable quality of work to add to the benefit of the total work of Habitat. 4. Habitat homeowners will be in the public eye and are asked to share their story with IVHFH and the public, along with photos of household members. 5. Habitat homebuyers and homeowners are expected to act respectfully towards other volunteers, partners, and staff at all times. 6. Habitat homeowners will be required to pay their monthly mortgage on a timely basis. Upon completion of the home, approved applicants receive an affordable mortgage through a partnership between Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity and local lenders. 7. Habitat homeowners are expected to maintain their homes, both inside and outside. |
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Interested in improving your financial stability?
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity partners with Horizons, A Family Service Alliance, an organization that provides affordable financial counseling and education. Each year, Habitat commits to paying the first financial counseling meeting's fees for a certain number of households. Please contact us for a referral to Horizons before setting up a meeting. A referral is the only way to ensure your first meeting is free to you.
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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S.A. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. The selection of applicants who purchase homes from Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity will be done by the Homeowner Selection Committee in a way that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, or national origin. |
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Volunteer
Every volunteer makes a difference. Whether you are an experienced carpenter or a novice, you are welcome. |
Donate
Every donation provides an opportunity to build a stronger, more stable, self-reliant future. |
ReStore
Every customer, donor and volunteer helps us build. Income from the ReStore supports our affordable housing efforts. |
