Simple, Decent, Affordable Housing
Do you dream of owning a home? Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk can work with you to make your dreams come true. We seek to partner with dedicated, hard-working families who meet our criteria and are in need of simple, decent, and affordable homes. We offer our partners a hand up, not a hand out.

Eligibility Criteria
NEED: Applicants currently living in substandard conditions are encouraged to apply. Common substandard living conditions include poor building structure, poor electrical wiring, inadequate heating & cooling, pest Infestation, problems with power or water supply, inadequate living space, or other health and safety concerns. We pay particular attention to space constraints, building deficiencies, and other problems that could pose hazardous to your family's health and well being.
ABILITY: Ability to make Payments: Selected families will be responsible for a 20 year 0% interest mortgage. Applicants must have the ability to make timely mortgage payments of approximately $900 to $1050 per month (depending on town taxes). This payment includes your property taxes, homeowners insurance, and your mortgage. Applicants are responsible for home maintenance and utilities expenses. To qualify for a Habitat home applicants income must fall within our guidelines. The Family Selection Committee considers the income of the applicant(s) and the total income of all people who will live in the household. Income must be documented by federal tax returns. Please review the below chart.

Household Size	Annual Minimum	Annual Maximum
1-4	$42,440	$63,660
5	$45,840	$68,760
6	$49,240	$73,860
7	$52,640	$78,960
8	$56,040	$84,060

 

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER: There is no monetary down payment. The Partner families’ down payment is their fulfillment of their "sweat equity". Sweat Equity consists of three aspects. Eligible applicants must be willing to make a down payment of two hundred and seventy labor hours of "sweat equity," participate in Community Service days, and attend 3 mandatory homeowner courses. Once accepted into the program, applicants must work “sweat equity” by building their house and other Habitat houses in partnership with Habitat on Saturdays in Suffolk County for approximately 1 year, this fulfills their two hundred and seventy labor hours of "sweat equity". Partner Families are responsible for their own transportation since we build

throughout Suffolk County. The foundation of the Habitat mission is partnering with families, working side by side with them as they help build their homes.

Application Process
1. Application Part I and Part II
    Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk's application is divided into two sections: Part I and Part II. Part I can be downloaded here and mailed or faxed back to our office or apply online through our online form. Please remember to submit your application with all supplementary required items. You should expect to hear back from us in 2-4 weeks.
Part II will be mailed or emailed to those who qualify. Please keep in mind, Family Services may require Part II to be submitted by a certain date, due to scheduled family selection meeting dates. Expect to hear back within 2-4 weeks after submitting Part II.
     If applicants do not qualify to move onto the Application Part II, we strongly suggest that you work with the Community Development Corporation to strengthen your financial situation. Classes in Finacial Fitness, and First time Home Buying are required in the Habitat Partnership Phase and are strongly suggested to struggling applicants.

2. Selection Phase
    Our Family Selection Committee reviews the applications and chooses families based on need, their ability to repay the interest free mortgage, and their willingness to become partners of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk. The partnership also requires that candidates complete three mandatory homeownership preoperational courses and perform community service in the community where they will be living.
    It is our highest priority to assure that our partners are put in a situation in which we are confident they will succeed. We are also obligated to protect our investment, and the trust of our supporters. For these reasons, we must choose families wisely, and take the time and measures to make sure that happens.
    The applicant and members of the applicant's household must understand that an in-depth review will be conducted by the Family Selection Committee to determine actual need, ability to afford a Habitat home, and willingness to become a partner with Habitat for Humanity. This will be documented by a combination of credit & reference checks, financial review and home visit interviews by committee members.

3. Office Interview
    When selected, the Family Selection Committee will coordinate a visit to Habitat Suffolk's office to meet with two of our dedicated volunteers. The purpose of this meet and greet is to learn more about you. We will ask you some questions about your application and you will hear more about our program. We seek families who are in need and willing to work hard for this opportunity.Expect to hear back from our office within 1-2 weeks after your interview.

4. Host us for a home visit
    We want to see where you live, what your life is like, and why you are great for our program. Two different members of the Family Selection Committee will visit your home to meet with you once more. We want to hear more about your family and better understand your current financial and living situation. You will hear back from the office within 2-4 weeks after your home visit.

5. Final Decision.
    The Family Selection Committee will work hard to thoughtfully consider each applicant. Once a decision is made, selected applications will be recommended to the Board of Directors for final approval. If approved, the Family Selection Committee will reach out and congratulate you on becoming a future homeowner! You will work with Family Services to suit up for the work site and prepare for homeownership. Once you have been approved, you will enter the Partnership Phase, partnering with Habitat to build your home.

Partnership Phase
    Congratulations! You are on your way to homeownership. On average, the construction of your home will last eight to twelve months. However, applicants and co-applicants are required to complete sweat equity requirements which takes roughly one year to complete.
    Most importantly, we want you to know that Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk is much more than a home ownership program. It is, a family, a community, and a team of loving and dedicated people who commit themselves each day to seizing op

portunity and creating a better future for neighborhoods. In doing so, families set out on a path of both responsibilities and rewards of homeownership. Applying to this program means being a part of something bigger - a growing network of passionate people who believe in the power of hard work and dedication to make meaningful change in our communities.
    Saturday Construction: Site Participation Families must be willing and able to work every Saturday for about a year on a construction site, building your own home as well as other Habitat homes. Families will be working with volunteers and Habitat’s professional construction staff. This time is credited towards your 270 "sweat equity" hours requirement.
    Educational Courses: The homeowners attend three educational courses which prepare Habitat Partner families for the many aspects of home ownership. These include Financial Fitness, Home Ownership, and Home Maintenance. The hours spent in completion of these three mandatory classes are also credited towards the 270 Sweat Equity Requirement.
    Pay-it-Forward Service: Families are required to participate in various service projects within the community. At special events, your Wall Raise and Dedication, Homesteaders are asked to speak.