become a homeowner
SCHFH has an open-door policy: All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people.
This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
qualifying for a home
Sussex County Habitat partner families are qualified through an extensive application process that considers the family's ability to pay a not-for-profit, affordable mortgage, demonstration of need for housing, and a willingness to partner by completing all program requirements needed to be a Habitat partner family. The applicant must live and/or work in Sussex County and maintain a steady and reliable source of income.
ability to pay
The ability to pay a not-for-profit, affordable mortgage is demonstrated by having a gross income within the following guidelines:
- House cost burden ration - no more than 30% of gross monthly income
- Total debt to income ratio - no more than 43% of gross monthly income
- Under 60% of the AMI for Sussex County as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
2024 HUD Annual Income Guidelines
| Family Size | Not Less Than (≥ 30% AMI) | No More Than (≤ 60% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,520 | $41,040 |
| 2 | $23,460 | $46,920 |
| 3 | $26,400 | $52,800 |
| 4 | $29,310 | $58,620 |
| 5 | $31,680 | $63,360 |
| 6 | $34,020 | $68,040 |
| 7 | $36,360 | $72,720 |
| 8 | $38,700 | $77,400 |
demonstration of need
The need for simple, decent, and affordable housing can be demonstrated in a number ways, including:
willingness to partner
Families are asked to demonstrate their willingness to partner by:
- Participating in a thorough application process.
- Investing 200 hours (single head of household)/350 hours (joint head of household) of "sweat equity" to build your home and the homes of other Habitat partner families.
- Depositing a minimum of $3,000 in closing costs for the purchase of your home.
- Attending monthly pre-purchase education courses and financial coaching sessions.
- Paying off all delinquent debt prior to settlement.
- Being a positive Habitat ambassador in the community.
To fill out the homeownership pre-application form in English - click here!
Solicitud de propiedad de vivienda- Para español - Clic Aqui
Questions? Contact our Homeowner Services Manager: Kenya@sussexcountyhabitat.org or Phone: (302) 855-1153 ext. 209 or complete the online interest form here.