Have you heard of Habitat for Humanity? If you know anything about the charity, you’ll understand they have an important role to play in affordable home ownership. Here’s what I can tell you about what they do and why they can be an excellent option for families struggling with the high cost of housing.

Habitat’s history

Habitat for Humanity is a globally renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions for families in need. In Alberta, the charity has been instrumental in addressing the housing crisis, offering hope and stability to families who might otherwise have difficulty securing safe and decent housing.

The organization’s presence in Alberta dates back to the early 1990s, with multiple affiliates established across the province. Their mission is simple yet profound ─ to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty.

Like many regions in Canada, our province faces challenges related to affordable housing. Rising home costs, coupled with economic uncertainties, have made it increasingly difficult for low-income families to find suitable dwellings. Habitat for Humanity addresses this issue by providing a hand up, not a handout, to families in need.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a Habitat for Humanity home, applicants must meet certain criteria. These requirments may vary slightly depending on the specific affiliate, but generally include:

• Need for housing ─ Applicants must demonstrate a current housing need, such as living in overcrowded conditions, unsafe housing or unaffordable rent.
• Ability to pay ─ While Habitat for Humanity homes are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans, applicants must demonstrate the ability to make monthly mortgage payments.
• Willingness to partner ─ Prospective homeowners must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity. This partnership involves contributing sweat equity hours, attending homeownership education classes and participating in the construction of their home.
• Residency and citizenship ─ Applicants must be legal residents of Canada and have resided in the community where they are applying for at least one year.
• Income limits ─ Habitat for Humanity considers the gross annual income of the household when determining eligibility. Income limits may vary based on family size and other factors.

How to apply

The application process for a Habitat for Humanity home typically involves several steps:

• Contact your local Habitat for Humanity office ─ Begin by contacting the affiliate in your area. They can provide you with information about the application process and eligibility criteria.
• Attend an information session ─ Many affiliates require applicants to attend an information session to learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program and the responsibilities of owning a home.
• Submit an application ─ If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying, you’ll need to submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation, such as proof of income, residency, and need for housing.
• Home visit and interview ─ Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers may conduct a home visit and interview to assess your housing need, and suitability for the program.
• Approval and partnership agreement ─ If your application is approved, you’ll be asked to sign a partnership agreement outlining the terms of the homeownership program, including sweat equity requirements and mortgage payments.
• Construction and move-in ─ Once approved, you’ll begin working on sweat equity hours and participating in the construction of your home. Upon completion, you’ll purchase the home from Habitat for Humanity with an affordable mortgage.

Finally

Through its unique homeownership model, Habitat for Humanity has transformed the lives of 354 families in Alberta, including over 1,000 children. If you or someone you know is in need of affordable housing in Alberta, consider reaching out to the organization to learn more.