Habitat for Humanity
Leeward O'ahu
PO Box 498
Wai'anae, HI 96792

"Love Your Neighbor
as Yourself."
Matthew 22:39

How to Apply for a Habitat for Humanity House

If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, please contact our Office at (808) 696-7882.

Habitat affiliates are independent, locally run, nonprofit organizations. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area, including partner family selection. Your local affiliate can give you information on the availability, size, costs, "sweat equity" work requirements and application process for Habitat houses in your area.

Qualifying for a House
Your application is evaluated by the Family Selection Committee through a process which includes:

• Attendance at an orientation meeting.
• Careful consideration of your application.
• Visits with you and your family to your current home.

Every affiliate chooses its homeowners based on the same three criteria:

1. Need – You and your family should have an obvious need for a Habitat house and
your income level should be such that you will not qualify for conventional housing loans.

2. Ability to Pay – This includes:

• Stable, adequate income to make regular monthly mortgage payments.
• Low debt level.
• Verification of income, credit, financial and personal references.
• Ability to pay a down payment of $1,000.

3. Willingness to Partner – You must be willing to become a partner with Habitat, which means that:

• You and your family contribute at least 500 sweat equity hours toward the building of your home and other Habitat projects and homes.
• You meet with a family sponsor to work out problems.
• You sign a legally-binding contract with Leeward Habitat.
• You will make your down payment and mortgage payments on time.

This selection process does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, religion, sex or age.

Income Guidelines
The Family must have sufficient monthly income from a relatively stable source to make its house payments. Guidelines are based on family income, size of family, and other family indebtedness.

As of March 2007, suggested maximum allowable gross income (before deductions) to qualify is:

Family Size                                Yearly Gross
1                                             $26,100
2                                             $29,800
3                                             $33,550
4                                             $37,250
5                                             $40,250
6                                             $43,200
7                                             $46,200
8                                             $49,150

Habitat may allow families with special circumstances to qualify, even if their income is in excess of the guidelines. Applications will be evaluated individually.

For more information please call the Leeward Habitat office at 808-696-7882 or email leewardhabitat@hotmail.com.