Frequently Asked Questions About Habitat for Humanity: Chillicothe, Missouri, and the Surrounding Areas

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Get Your Answers from the Questions below!!

Who Is Eligible? | What is Habitat? | Who Can Get a Habitat Home? | What is Sweat Equity?

What if I Have Bad Credit? | What if My Family is Very Small? | What if I Have a Record? | Are Habitat Homes Free?

What's the Application Form Like? | How Long Do I Have to Complete the Application? | Do I Have to Come to the Meeting to Get An Application?

Who Is Eligible?

A: Livingston County residents who demonstrate need and income by completing an application. The selected family will partner with Habitat to build a home and then take responsibility for paying for it and taking care of it.

Note: The Chillicothe Area Habitat for Humanity will have an orientation meeting on Monday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 421 Elm St. in Chillicothe. Interested Livingston County residents must attend this meeting to be considered for the newest Habitat home.

What is Habitat?

A: Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide, ecumenical ministry of Christians whose goal is to provide decent and affordable homes to those in need. See our link page for more information.

Who Can Get a Habitat Home?

A: You can get a Habitat home if you...

Are currently living in poor/inadequate housing, including housing that’s too expensive, too crowded, not accessible to people with disabilities, etc.
Can afford mortgage payments of around $250 per month
Provide 250 hours of "sweat equity" to build a house (mowing, hammering, cooking, office work, etc.)

What is Sweat Equity?

A: Work that the homeowner contributes to building their own home or helping with another Habitat family’s home.

What if I have Bad Credit?

A: The applicant’s current ability to pay and track record of paying bills are considered more strongly than a person’s credit score.

What if My Family is Very Small?

A: That’s OK; Habitat families are chosen based on overall need and ability to pay. It all depends on who applies this year.

Small families are eligible too...

What if I Have a Record?

A: That will not keep you out of consideration for a Habitat home ... but lying about it will exclude you. Just be honest on the application.

Are Habitat Homes Free?

A: No, but the interest on the mortgage is currently at 0%, thanks to generous supporters. The selected family makes payments on a 20-year loan for their home.

What's the Application Form Like?

A: The application is pretty detailed and needs to be completed entirely with supporting paperwork in order to be considered. Information requested includes: contact information, rent history, outstanding bills, income, family members, references, criminal record, etc. Habitat Board members will be available to help with the application.

How Long Do I Have to Complete the Application?

A: The completed application for the current home, with supporting paperwork, must be returned by Feb. 20, 2006. The Chillicothe Area Habitat for Humanity expects to select a family by March 21, 2006.

Do I Have to Come to the Meeting to Get an Application?

A: Yes; a member of the family being considered must attend the meeting to get an application.