Habitat for Humanity to hold sessions for staff about affordable home ownership opportunities

Author: Gwen O'Brien, Office of Public Affairs

Habitat For Humanity Graphics V32

Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County (HFHSJC) will host information sessions on campus for University of Notre Dame employees interested in building a new home through the agency. The sessions will be held at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, in the Eck Visitors Center. Interested parties need only attend one of the meetings.

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Habitat will build up to seven new homes in the Northeast Neighborhood south of the University of Notre Dame campus, within walking distance to Eddy Street Commons, downtown South Bend and the East Bank. Habitat also has opportunities to build new homes on the east side of Mishawaka.

120 E Marion Classic Min

These quality, energy-efficient, entry-level homes will be 1,200 to 1,400 square feet and include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full basement and one-stall garage. Projected mortgage payments will not exceed 30 percent of a family’s gross income.  

Applicants will be selected based on a demonstrated need for housing, the ability to pay an affordable mortgage and a willingness to partner with Habitat and complete the program requirements.

Colonial House Design

Participating families work alongside volunteers to build their own homes. They also volunteer for HFHSJC and participate in Habitat-sponsored homeownership classes. In doing so, they qualify for down payment assistance and competitive lending terms through Habitat and a local bank.

HFHSJC is an equal housing opportunity lender and nonprofit that offers home ownership opportunities to people of low to moderate income who have been priced out of the housing market due to rising real estate prices and narrow access to lending. If your income falls within the following guidelines, you may be able to qualify:

Family size: 1

  • Minimum income: $35,000
  • Maximum income: $54,600

Family Size: 2

  • Minimum income: $35,000 
  • Maximum income: $62,400

Family Size: 3

  • Minimum income: $35,000
  • Maximum income: $70,200

Family Size: 4

  • Minimum income: $35,000 
  • Maximum income: $78,000

Family Size: 5

  • Minimum income: $35,000
  • Maximum income: $84,240

Family Size: 6

  • Minimum income: $35,000 
  • Maximum income: $90,480

Additional requirements include:

  • Have not declared bankruptcy in the last four years
  • Have not lost a home to foreclosure in the last three years
  • Have paid your monthly bills on time for the last 12 months (including loans, credit cards, rent, etc.)
  • Have had stable income and employment for at least the last 12 months
  • Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Meet income and credit guidelines
  • Willing to complete program requirements, including sweat equity hours and homeowner education classes
  • Willing to purchase home available
  • Pass criminal history and sex offender background checks
  • Furnish all required documentation and information, which may vary based on individual circumstances

Income guidelines are based on the area median income and household size. Those who make slightly more than the stated income guidelines may send an email to homeownership@habitat-for-humanity.org and Habitat will help you determine if you still may be able to qualify.

Note: Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County will select program participants based on its qualifying criteria. The opportunity to build with Habitat is not reserved for University of Notre Dame employees, and the University is not offering loan or other home ownership assistance to its employees.

Originally published by Gwen O'Brien, Office of Public Affairs at ndworks.nd.edu on March 01, 2023.