Applications open for Habitat for Humanity homes
Habitat for Humanity of Grand County/Courtesy photo
Grand County residents can now apply to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. The application is open from now to Nov. 15 for residents to own a home in Hot Sulphur Springs.
Real estate prices remain daunting for those with dreams of owning their own home, but Habitat for Humanity Grand County offers some relief. The organization is constructing single-family homes in a neighborhood along Nevava Street with budget-friendly mortgages.
Homes are sold at market value, but monthly mortgage payments are capped at no more than 30% of the household’s gross monthly income. In 2024, foundations for two new homes have been put in the ground, awaiting future owners.
Who can apply?
Qualified applicants must make between 50-80% of the median income guidelines for Grand County. For one person, this is between $35,950-$57,520 a year; for a family of four, this is $51,300-82,080 a year.
Need
The applicant family must be living in inadequate housing conditions. This may include the family paying excessively high rent, overcrowding, structural problems with the residence and/or inadequate utilities.
Ability to pay
The applicant’s family must have total household income that is between 50-80% of the current HUD median income guidelines for Grand County, adjusting for family size. The applicant’s income alone must be sufficient to pay a mortgage as well as utilities and up to $2,000 in closing costs at the time of the real estate contract. Income need not be job-related, but may include disability, TANF, alimony, child-support. Habitat for Humanity Grand County is currently partnering with the USDA Rural 502 mortgage program and/or deed restriction grants.
Willingness to partner
The applicant must be willing to participate in the Habitat program as a partner in building the family’s home and those of others. 200 hours of ‘sweat equity’ per adult applicant are required once an applicant has been board-approved and must be completed before move-in. The applicant is required to complete 15-20 hours/month following acceptance into the program, and at least 100 hours at the construction site actually building the family’s home.
Residency
The applicant must have lived or worked in the area served by Habitat for Humanity Grand County for at least 12 of the past 36 months.
Habitat’s mission is to make home ownership possible for members of the Grand County community who otherwise might never get the chance — and who are willing to invest their own time and effort for the opportunity. A Habitat house is a great option for permanent residents and their families.
You don’t have to be gainfully employed to apply for a Habitat home. Income can also be proven through disability, child support or other welfare.
Selected homeowners typically help build their homes, putting in their own sweat equity. They work alongside a dedicated crew of contractors, skilled framers, laborers and many others who lend a helping hand.
To request an application to be a homeowner, please call Habitat for Humanity Grand County at 970-887-9138, email buyers@habitatforhumanity.org, or visit the website HabitatGrandCounty.org. Applicants must watch an orientation video on Habitat’s website for the application process to begin. This video can be found at the “homeownership” tab on the homepage.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s mission, to volunteer or donate visit visit HabitatGrandCounty.org.
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