Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds, rehabs, and repairs homes for people in need of simple, decent and affordable housing. HFH’s goal is to eliminate substandard housing from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland County has a selection committee that screens applicants to ensure they meet four criteria:
1. Need for adequate shelter (current living conditions).*
- This might include overcrowding, leaky roofs, poor plumbing and electric, poor heat and air, and unsafe living conditions.
2. Ability to pay.
- Your total income must be between 25%-50% of the mean income for Cleveland County. Income scale is shown below.
- You must be able to repay the mortgage. This mortgage is a no-interest loan, typically for a period of 15-20 years. You must not be able to qualify for conventional financing.
- Debt ratio (total debt to annual income) cannot exceed 40%. If over, we will refer you to Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 789-2227 to get a debt management plan.
| 2019 Cleveland County Income Scale | ||
| Size of Family | Minimum | Maximum |
| 1 | $9,200 | $18,400 |
| 2 | $10,500 | $21,000 |
| 3 | $11,825 | $23,650 |
| 4 | $13,150 | $26,300 |
| 5 | $14,200 | $28,400 |
| 6 | $15,250 | $30,500 |
| 7 | $16,300 | $32,600 |
| 8 | $17,350 | $34,700 |
- Willingness to partner.
- You must be willing to partner with HFH’s program. This includes completing 300 hours of sweat equity, making a monthly house payment, maintaining your home, and participating in the Family Support Program. You must also be willing to allow two members of the Family Selection Committee to conduct a home visit.
- There is a closing cost of between $500-1,000. This covers taxes and insurance for the first year.
- Applicants must be living in Cleveland County.*
If you meet these requirements, the Family Selection Committee will present your application to the CCHFH Board of Directors. The Board approves all HFH families. Once approved, the family can begin accumulating sweat equity hours. The application process can take several months.