2010 FAMILY SELECTION CRITERIA

How It Works

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland chooses families to become

homeowners on the basis of need, willingness to partner, and ability

to meet income guidelines.  Habitat does not discriminate on the basis

of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Habitat is not for everyone. It demands hard work and a commitment

to partnership with Habitat to build a home. It is a “hand-up” program,

not a “hand-out”.  It is not an emergency program for those who need

to find stable housing immediately.

What is the process ?

Each applicant for Habitat housing is individually reviewed by the Family Selection

Committee (a volunteer committee of Habitat) based on the criteria listed below.                      The criteria are guidelines and are not considered absolute. The finalists in the

process will be visited at least twice in their homes by teams from the Family               

Selection Committee. The committee will then reach a final decision on                                     which families to select to become homeowners.  The Family Selection

Committee will present these families to the Board of Directors for final approval.

Please be aware that your relative need for housing will be compared to

all of those who have applied during the selection process. 

Do I have to live in Cumberland County to apply?

You need to live and/or work in Cumberland County and have done so for

at least one year.

If you would like to apply, but do not currently live and/or work in Cumberland

County, please contact your area Habitat for Humanity affiliate.  There are

currently 9 affiliates in the state of Maine.  To find the one nearest you

please click here. 

Are there residency requirements?

Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

What defines "need"?

The most important consideration is the inadequacy of current housing.

“Inadequate housing” is defined as that which is unsafe, unsanitary, badly

in need of repair/poorly maintained by landlord, overcrowded, and /or in

an unstable environment. “Unstable” is defined as unhealthy or unsuitable

for raising a family. A family paying over 40% of their income may also be

considered to be in inadequate housing.

What are the income guidelines?

This includes income from wages, pensions, disability, TANF, SSI, child support,

etc. as long as it is stable. It does not include any form of vouchers or vendor

payments such as food stamps, fuel assistance, etc. The family must demonstrate

the ability to afford the Habitat mortgage, which includes taxes and insurance,

as well as be able to maintain the property in good condition. 

Please note the income guidelines are updated annually in accordance with the annual median income as published by the Department of Housing and Urban

Development(HUD).  We accept applications from individuals and families with an between 25% and 60% of the HUD Median Family Income (MFI). 

With your permission, we will verify employment and other income, verify checking and savings account balances, get a statement from your current and previous landlords, have a credit check done, and ask you for credit references. 

In addition, you will need to provide copies of the last three (3) years income tax records.

What are the partnership requirements?

Families must show a willingness to partner with Habitat to build their home. The family must be willing and able to provide “sweat equity” toward the work of Habitat, to be completed by the mortgage signer(s) only.  Standards are a minimum of 500 hours for a two adult family and a minimum of 250 for a single adult family. At least100 of those hours (50 for single adult families) are required before construction can begin on your home.  

What else should I know?

• You must be ineligible for a mortgage. 
• You cannot be a party to any lawsuit.
• If you are approved for a Habitat home, we require that you join us in programs to learn and practice budgeting, home repair, and maintenance. 
• If you are approved for a Habitat home, about $1,000.00 will be needed for closing costs. You will have some time to save this money before closing if your family is selected.
• If you are approved for a home and if you meet the sweat-equity, closing costs, and course requirements, we will sell you a home at cost.  Habitat house payments include principal payment, taxes, insurance and repair fund.
• Families not initially accepted may reapply during other application periods should their circumstances change.
• All information is considered confidential and is to be used only for family selection.  

Click here to learn how you can apply for the Habitat for Humanity

of Greater Portland Homeownership Program.

  Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland does not discriminate on the basis

of race,  color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.