Become a Homeowner

Total gross income includes each adult living in the household. Income should be calculated from all documented wages, SSI, SSDI, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, and child support.

*Income levels are set annually by US Department of Housing & Urban Development.

**All income calculated as gross income

There must be a demonstrated need in order to qualify for a Habitat home.

To apply for a Habitat home, one must not be able to qualify for a traditional home loan and must also demonstrate a housing need (see examples below). If qualified financially, applicant will receive a home visit to further evaluate his/her housing need. Applicant must be a McLean County resident for one (1) year prior to applying. 

Some examples of a housing need are outlined below (this list is not all-inclusive):

Structural/Mechanical Problems in Building 

• Visible holes or cracks

• Leaks, hazardous/toxic materials

• Electrical problems

• Plumbing problems

• Non-working appliances  

Overcrowded Conditions

• Inadequate sleeping arrangements

• More than 2 persons share a room

• Different gendered children share a room

• Persons having to sleep on the floor

Unsafe Environments

• Bugs

• Rodents

• Sewage problems

• Stairway in disrepair

• Allergy concerns

• High-crime area

Temporary or Transitional Housing

• Family currently living with relatives

• Family in emergency shelter

• Homelessness

Ability to pay is determined by our Staff & Board of Directors, based on information provided and collected during the application process.

APPLICANTS MUST: 

• Have a steady, reliable source of income

• Demonstrate financial responsibility with at least six (6) months of history for current employment or income sources

• Be able to pay a monthly house payment (including taxes and insurance) between 20-30% of gross monthly income

• Be able to pay projected monthly utilities (electric/gas and water/sewer)

• Not be involved in active bankruptcies. All bankruptcies must have been discharged for at least twelve (12) months prior to the date of application with Habitat.

During the application process, we will evaluate your credit profile, which includes a review of credit scores, debt-to-income ratio, stable income, and consistent payment history. Applicants may be required to resolve negative accounts on their credit profile prior to partnership. Applicants may also be required to provide proof of downpayment for closing costs that include taxes, insurance, and other miscellaneous fees not to exceed $1000.00. For more information about our application process, please email us at info@habitatmclean.org.

A partner family must be willing to complete "sweat-equity" hours.

Habitat requires that a partner family take part in building their own home and other Habitat homes. "Sweat-equity" hours may include activities such as clearing Habitat lots, painting, helping with construction, working at the Habitat ReStore, or other approved activities.

• A single-adult family is required to complete 250 hours.

• A two-adult household is required to perform a minimum of 500 hours.

• In addition, any children, age 18 or above, who will live in the completed house are required to perform a minimum of 75 hours each.

• A portion of the sweat equity hours can be completed by family and friends.

• All of the hours must be completed prior to the partner family moving into the house.

​In addition, the partner family must attend homeowner support workshops throughout the building process.