FAQ
| Q: | How do I qualify for a Habitat home?
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| A: | Please see the information contained within the Qualifications section of the website.
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| Q: | How can I apply for a Habitat home?
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| A: | Please see the information contained within the Application Process section of the website.
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| Q: | Can I qualify for a Habitat home if I am handicapped?
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| A: | Yes. Habitat will work out a special arrangement by which you can satisfy Habitat’s “sweat equity” requirements through limited construction duties, work at the Habitat Re-Store, or by working in the office. In addition, modifications will be made during the construction of your home in order to make it accessible.
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| Q: | Do I have to participate in the construction of the home to get a Habitat home?
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| A: | Yes, that is a key part of the Habitat program, which we call “sweat equity.” Homeowners work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers in the construction of their own homes and those of their neighbors. Homeowners must satisfy the requirement of 500 hours of “sweat equity.”
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| Q: | Can I start my required “sweat equity” hours whenever I want?
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| A: | No. A Habitat homeowner can only begin their sweat equity hours once accepted into the Habitat program. However, you can volunteer with Habitat before completing the home application process to get a feel for the program.
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| Q: | Do you have to be a Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?
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| A: | Habitat for Humanity was founded as, and still is, a nondenominational, Christian housing ministry. However, Habitat homeowners are selected into the program without regard to creed, both in keeping with the requirements of the law and Habitat’s belief that God’s love extends to all regardless of racial, religious or gender lines.
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| Q: | Do you have to have a job to become a Habitat homeowner?
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| A: | Yes. Habitat requires that you earn enough money to use no more than 25% of your income to pay the monthly mortgage payments. While some Habitat homeowners may receive public assistance, the overwhelming majority of Habitat homeowners have a consistent employment history and continue to be employed. Habitat for Humanity works in good faith with people who are at risk financially, knowing that owning a home is not the answer to every problem, but can be an important step – often the first step – toward breaking out of the cycle of poverty.
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| Q: | Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County homeowner? |
| A: | Yes. You must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to qualify for a Habitat home. In addition, you must be a Boca Raton, Delray Beach or Boynton Beach resident for at least one year. |
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| Q: | Does Habitat for Humanity give houses away to poor people? |
| A: | Habitat for Humanity offers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain conventional house financing—generally, those whose income is 30 to 60 percent of the area's median income. In most cases, Habitat homeowner families make a $1,500 down payment ($750 due before ground-breaking and $750 due at closing) and contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable. |
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