Habitat partner family testimonials
application period is currently closed.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an international organization with a goal of eliminating poverty housing worldwide. Our mission is to bring individuals, communities, and partner families together to build decent, affordable housing. We achieve this goal by using volunteer labor, donated building materials, and donation and grant funding from the community. There are many Habitat for Humanity affiliates in America with the same goals and mission. However, each Habitat affiliate has slightly different program rules, building regulations, and program services. The Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity currently only builds one house per year and does not have a home repair program at this time. We are hoping to begin one in early 2024. We would love to increase our capacity to serve the community and are working towards that goal.
About our homeownership program
Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program can take up to a year to complete and requires active work from the selected partner family. Upon selection and acceptance into our homeownership program, the partner family will be required to participate in homebuyer education and sweat equity. This includes but is not limited to learning about and navigating the housing market, mortgage and financing information and best practices, housing discrimination and how to recognize and report it, and assisting with the construction of their house. At the completion of the partner family's construction and homebuyer education, the house will be sold to the partner family at a discounted price, no more than 30% of their annual income. Each mortgage is originated with 0% interest and no down payment is required. The mortgage life is 30 years but the partner family is able to pay it off sooner. All partner families are required to live in the house at least 5 years to keep the discounted sale price and are encouraged to stay in the home for at least 30 years to get the maximum financial benefit from our program.
What Habitat for Humanity doesn't do
The Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity cannot provide rental assistance, rental units, mortgage assistance for loans originating outside of our affiliate, owner occupied or rental unit repairs, or temporary housing. We are able to offer guidance and direction when seeking out resources to help fill these needs but our goals and funding do not allow for projects outside of our homeownership program.