Homeowner Criteria

​

Our impact is only as strong as the partnership we forge with our homeowners. For our Home Build Program to be successful, we ensure that our homeowners are a good fit. Thus, our homeowner selection process is quite rigorous. When selecting a potential homeowner, we consider the family’s level of need, their willingness to partner with Habitat Rabun, and their ability to pay their interest-free, geared-to-income mortgage.

​

In order to meet our basic requirements, potential homeowners must meet the following criteria:

​

• Live in inadequate, overcrowded or unsafe housing

• Have a steady and income sufficient to pay scheduled payments in a timely manner

• Does not qualify for a conventional mortgage

• Must demonstrate a willingness to contribute 300 volunteer hours (250 for a single-parent)

• Must demonstrate a willingness to participate in Habitat events and publicity opportunities

• Carry a minimal debt load

• Preference will be given to applicants with young children

• Must be willing to provide references from several sources

​

Potential Habitat homeowners simply don’t have the resources to save for the down payment of a home. Once confirmed as a homeowner by our Board of Directors, the selected homeowners must complete 300 hours (250 hours for single-parent families) of volunteer support prior to becoming eligible to move into a Habitat home. In return, their lives will be transformed by the positive experience of working with their community and by the many benefits associated with homeownership.

​

Homeowner Selection Process

​

Have you reviewed our homeowner criteria and do you think you and your family might be eligible to become a Habitat for Humanity Rabun County future homeowner?

​

If so, we encourage you to complete and submit a Pre-Habitat for Humanity Questionnaire. This is the first step towards becoming a future Habitat homeowner. Once submitted, Habitat for Humanity Rabun County’s Family Selection Committee will review your submission to ensure that it meets our minimum requirements. Generally, Habitat for Humanity Rabun County builds one house per year. Applications are released between late August and early October.

​

Once we develop plans to build a new home, our Family Selection Committee will invite all interested applicants who meet our minimum requirements for approval, to submit a Full Application (instructions). This will assist our Family Selection Committee to further determine whether an applicant is a right fit for our Home Build Program. You may be asked to submit Personal References, please try to use non-relatives.

​

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an in-person interview to determine our final selection. The Family Selection Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for final selection and approval.

​