HOW TO APPLY

The application process consists of several steps.  Please make sure you fall within our criteria before proceeding with signing up for an orientation meeting.

STEPS:

• Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk will NOTIFY THE COMMUNITY that they are searching for a new homeowner.  This will be done via flyers, media, this website (ownHome_main), and our telephone information line (631-924-4966 x 232)

• Potential applicants will be INSTRUCTED TO REVIEW THE SELECTION CRITERIA.  If eligible:

• Potential applicants will be INSTRUCTED TO CALL THE HABITAT OFFICE and speak to Family Services Staff.  631-924-4966 x 101 or x113.

• If determined to be a POTENTIAL HOMEOWNER, a package will be mailed out to applicant.  Application should be completed and all required documentation requested gathered as soon as possible.  When complete:

• POTENTIAL HOMEOWNER will call the Family Services Staff to set up an appointment at the Middle Island Habitat office.  After the appointment:

• Staff and volunteers will REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION for completeness

• You may be asked to PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The Family Selection Committee will REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION

• If selected to proceed in the process you will be asked to ATTEND AN INTERVIEW

• The Family Selection Committee will DISCUSS your application and interview

• If selected to proceed further in the process you will be called to set up a HOME VISIT where Committee members will assess your conditions

• The Family Selection Committee will meet once again and decide to RECOMMEND YOU TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  If the committee does not approve your application you will be mailed a letter of rejection.

• The Board of Directors will VOTE to either accept or reject you as a Habitat homeowner.  You will be notified after the vote whether or not your application was approved.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE LOOKING TO OWN A HOME

1. Do I just get a house for free? - No - like everything in life you have to work for what you want. Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk prides itself  on being a “hand up" not a “hand out.” Our program is an affordable housing program in which the homeowners pay a 20-30 year mortgage at no interest and no down payment. The down payment is the year’s worth of work you put in!

2. I called for my application, now what? You will receive a packet of information including the application and a list of required documentation for the orientation.  In addition to the required documentation, a $13 money order per applicant is required to generate a credit check. 

3. I filled out my application now what? If you are missing any paperwork, your application is NOT complete. This will delay your chances for putting your family in to the family selection process.  Once you have your completed application and documentation you should call the Habitat office for an appointment - 631-924-4966 x 101 or x113

4. I have turned in all of my information what is next?  Each application is processed by a team called family selection. If any information is missing or there are any questions you will be contacted by someone on this team. The first step in review is confirming eligibility within our income guidelines, $40,720-$61,080 gross annual income (family 4 or less, see our Criteria ((own_a_home_Criteria)) for specifics). If you do not fall within the guidelines, a letter will be sent to you stating this and your money order will be returned as we will not be pulling a credit report. Once finances are reviewed, a committee will meet to decide if you will be moving on for an interview. Once decided, you will receive a letter stating our decision. If moving on, an interview date and time will be enclosed.

5. I am coming in for an interview, now what?  At the interview night, you will be interviewed by 2 volunteers and asked several questions. If there is a co-applicant, the co-applicant must be present as well. After the interview, the volunteers will convene and determine if you are going on for a home visit.  You will receive a phone call the next day and a letter to follow to inform you if you will be receiving a home visit.  Within 2 weeks, you will receive a phone call from volunteers who will coordinate a time for a home visit. The volunteers will come to your house/ apartment to ask more questions and assess your need.  After all home visits are completed, the committee will meet to determine if you will be recommended to the board. The board meets monthly at the end of the month so a decision may be delayed. Once a decision is made by the board, you will be notified. If you are not contacted immediately, we are working as fast as we can to carefully process your application. Someone will contact you as soon as we have a decision.

6. I have been approved what else do I have to do? You are required to have a steady income. You are required to work about 270 labor hours called “sweat equity” toward your home and 6 days of community service within your new community. This means on the site of your home, other Habitat homes, in the Habitat office or on other projects that benefit the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk. Included in these hours are classes that you will complete at the Community Development Corporation of Long Island. In addition, there will be other exciting things like designing your home. You will get to pick out certain items, for example the color of your floors, your siding, and the color of the kitchen counters too!  If you do not meet all of your requirements before the final inspection, your home could be given to someone else on the list who has!  If you ever have any questions about your hours just ask someone in the office who can keep you informed.  You must sign in and out at each job so your hours can be tracked.

7. House Payments: Finally your family is in your new home! Remember you must keep up to date on your NO INTEREST mortgage to keep your house. Your payments make up a revolving fund that enables us to build more houses for more families in need.

If you have any further questions about our program please call the office  (631)924-4966 x101 or email us at familyservices@habitatsuffolk.org

  Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk enthusiastically adheres to the Fair Housing Act. 
The Fair Housing Act  prohibits discrimination in housing because of color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, familial status or handicap.