Fall 2009 Homeowner Information Meetings Scheduled!  To receive an application for homeownership and assistance completing the application, please atend one of the following meetings. Calendar year 2010 projects are scheduled for Marine City and Port Huron.

Port Huron Area Meetings:
Community Action Agency, 302 Michigan St., Port Huron
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

Marine City Area Meetings:
St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 156 S. William St., Marine City
Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

                                          
Suggested items to bring with you: 1. Income tax records (or equivalent proof of income) for the last three years.  2. Present Landlord's name and address.  3. Past Landlord's name and address if you've moved within the last two years.  4. Name and address of your present employer and former employer if you've changed jobs in the last year.  5. Record of monthly income and source.  6. Account numbers and balance of your checking and savings accounts.  7. List of active credit cards wth amount of your unpaid balance and what you pay monthly.  8. List of any other debts and the amount you have acquired that are unpaid.  9. Copies of last month's bills.

If you have questions, please contact the office at 810-985-9080 ext. 204.

Homeownership could be a possibility for you and your family.  We are currently looking for families who reside in St. Clair or Sanilac Counties.  You can find out more about purchasing a home through Blue Water Habitat for Humanity by:

    
     -Reading the Qualifications and Income Guidelines below.   Please note: Each application is handled on a case by case basis, if you are unsure about any of the information below, it is best to complete the Pre-Application Questionaire.  

     -Completing and returning to BWHFH a Pre-Application Questionaire.   Available for download by clicking the link below, by calling 810-985-9080 ext. 204 or by coming to the BWHFH office at 1228 6th Street, Port Huron.
      Pre-Screening Questionnaire

     -Attending an Informational Meeting (dates and times vary.  You will notified of the meetings if you return a Pre-Application Questionaire).  You can also attend an Informational Meeting without having completed a Pre-Application Questionaire.  Watch this webpage and the BWHFH calendar for dates and times of scheduled meetings.  

If you have any questions not answered on this webpage or would like additional information, please call our Interested Homeowner Applicant Line at 810-985-9080 ext. 204 .  You will need to leave a message, please speak slowly and clearly and state your name and phone number during your message.  Your phone call will be returned as soon as possible.  

The time frame for purchasing a Habitat home can occassionally be a lengthy procedure from the time you return a Pre-Application Questionaire or an Application.  At the same time, it could be a relatively quick process.  All applicants should take into consideration the time frame when applying and generally consider the process to take one to two years before purchasing and moving into your Habitat home.  While the process is sometimes long, it is worth the wait.  Habitat homeowners save a large amount of money over non-Habitat homeowners.  It also provides a stable environment for your family to grow and flourish in.  Habitat homeownership can also help you plan for the future better by providing financial breathing room by reducing your current housing cost burden.  So, don't disqualify yourself just yet!  Complete the Pre-Application Questionaire or attend an Informational Meeting to find out more and if your family qualifies.  In the meantime, we would encourage you to volunteer with us; there's no better way for you to find out if you want to be a part of our program. And if you're willing to help others then others will be more willing to help you when the time comes.  

Qualifications
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to purchase a home form Blue Water Habitat for Humanity.

NEED (AT LEAST ONE OF THESE CONDITIONS MUST BE PRESENT)

• Inadequate Shelter
  
  1. Inadequate current shelter because of problems with heating, water, electricity, or maintenance.
     
  2. Inadequate number and size of bedrooms as determined by the number of persons in the household as well as the age and sex of these household members. For example:  adolescent girls and boys sharing a bedroom or adolescent children sharing a bedroom with very young children, or babies, would meet this criterion.
     
  3. Unsafe conditions. Lack of access to safe yard, street, and egress from present home. Physical environment problems such as hazardous or toxic materials.
• Inadequate Resources
  
  1. Lack of personal resources to buy, rent, or build adequate shelter; and
     
  2. Inability to qualify for a VA, FHA, conventional or government loan.

INCOME:  ABILITY TO PAY (ALL SIX REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET)

1. Fall within Blue Water Habitat for Humanity's income guidelines, which is between 25-50% of median income, adjusted for family size and updated annually. (SEE CHART BELOW)
   
2. Record of stable employment and/or other income for one or more years.
   
3. Enough income to pay house payment, insurance, taxes. You must also pay for utilities and all maintenance and repairs.
   
4. Ability to pay a down payment of $600 (one-time expense; payable over time up to 12 months).
   
5. Projected housing expenses will be less than or equal to 30% of gross monthly income.
   
6. Existing long-term debt is less than or equal to 40% of gross monthly income.

Note:  Household income may be threatened by home ownership. Example: Rent subsidies and welfare payments may cease if you own a house.

PARTNER WITH HABITAT: (YOU MUST BE WILLING TO DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING)

• Eagerness
  
  1. Application requirements readily fulfilled
     
  2. Willing participant in the home visit
     
  3. Willingness to participate in Habitat functions
     
  4. Attendance and participation in information meeting
• Acceptance
  
  1. Of sweat equity and its demands:  300 Hours of "Sweat Equity" (volunteer labor) per adult member of the household, of which at least 50% must be spent doing construction, unless special circumstances dictate otherwise (i.e. disability).
     
  2. Of Habitat's house design criteria
     
  3. Of financial responsibility of home maintenance and care.
     
  4. Of the importance of monthly payments withou default.
     
  5. Of the expectations of the letter of acceptance.
     
  6. Of Habitat's need for willing and active partners.

If you would like to learn more about Homeownership, call us 810-985-9080 x204 or complete and return Pre-Application Questionaire and we will contact you.