Habitat for Humanity Palm Beach County

• Applicants must have resided in our service area - North & Central Palm Beach County (between the Martin County Line and Hypoluxo Rd. in Boynton Beach) for twelve months prior to applying. 

• Applicants must be a first-time homebuyer.

• Applicant families must be either permanent residents or citizens of the United States.

• Applicants must have a satisfactory credit history

• All adults in household must pass a criminal background check.

  
You must also show:

Need

1. You can be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the structure, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning/heating systems, overcrowding, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. We also consider the number, ages, and sex of those living in the home. 

2. How much money you spend on housing is also considered. You will be required to discuss your financial situation openly and fully with Habitat Staff and the Family Selection Committee.

3. Household total yearly income must fall within 30% to 80% of the area median income in Palm Beach County which is mandated by HUD:              

*PBC Area Median income is $64,600* -Income Limits from HUD as of 12/13/12

Ability to Pay

1. Since you will actually be buying your home from Habitat, you must be able to pay the monthly mortgage payment. We will help you determine if this payment will keep you from paying your other family expenses.

2. You must be able to save money to cover closing costs.

Willingness to Partner

1. You will be required to attend monthly Family Partner meetings where you will have the opportunity to learn many things that will help you as you become a homeowner.

2. You will be required to attend a certifying First Time Homebuyer Workshop and also a budget counseling session where a counselor will assist you to develop a lean but livable budget. Your budget will in turn help you to save, shop, set financial goals and use credit wisely. Often that's all that is needed to get our finances in order. There is no cost to you for this and it will help you save for the down payment and other expenses common to owning your own home.

3. You will assist in building your home and the homes of other Habitat families (300 - 500 hours). This is called "sweat equity" and it will give you an opportunity to learn the skills you will need to maintain your house.  You will also work at the ReStore or Thrift Store which will provide "community" time with other Partner Families, Habitat Volunteers and others from the area.

How to Apply:

If you would like to learn about the Habitat for Humanity PBC Homeownership program or apply to become a Habitat partner family, you will need to complete a Preliminary Partner Family Application in order to be invited to our next applicant orientation.

If you would prefer to have the homeownership information located above mailed to you, contact us at (561) 253-2080 or email: familyservices@habitatpbc.org.