BRODHEAD — Habitat for Humanity of Green County (HHGC) is accepting applications for a family to participate in the rehabilitation of a home at 1202 East 6th Ave., in Brodhead. In return, the family will receive a considerable discount on the home’s purchase price and assistance in transitioning to home ownership.
The existing 1,700-square foot home was built by HHGC in 2014. Habitat’s mission is to give families a boost into home ownership. To qualify for a Habitat home, the family’s current housing situation must be physically inadequate, unsafe, overcrowded, or a cost burden.
A family (one or more individuals) must meet financial and personal guidelines. The guidelines call for a family who would not otherwise qualify for a conventional mortgage and which falls below 50% of the area median family income, as outlined by a chart on the agency’s website.
Ability to Pay the Mortgage
The family must have the financial means to make monthly, interest-free mortgage payments and pay the other expenses of owning and maintaining a home. Eligibility is determined by income verification, credit reports, assessment of household debt, projected utility costs, special assessments and other costs directly associated with the ownership of a home. The down payment and closing costs can be covered by a grant, a benefit of a Habitat home purchase.
Willingness to Partner
After being selected, the family becomes a partner in the Habitat program and assists in the rehabilitation of their own home. Each adult family member is required to put in a total of 150 “sweat equity” hours. Applicants must show evidence of their potential to keep a house clean and in good repair and should express willingness to participate in the personal development programs which may include budget counseling, case management and home maintenance.
Ties to the Community
Applicants must be permanent residents of the United States and must have lived or worked in Green County for one year immediately prior to applying. Other ties to the community will be considered.
Potential owners can learn more and complete an application on the Habitat website at greencountyhabitat.org. Applications are also available at the Habitat Resale Store at 305 2nd Street in Monroe during business hours. The selection process includes a home visit, income verification, a credit check, an assessment of existing debt as well as sex offender and criminal background checks on all adult family members.
Potential applicants — or anyone with questions about this project — can contact Habitat for Humanity of Green County via email at admin@greencountyhabitat.org or by calling 608-329-4024 and leaving a message.
