Becoming a Habitat for Humanity Homeowner

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes. Partner homeowners, who will eventually own the house, work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers to help build their own homes.

Habitat for Humanity Makes a Difference to Families

The lives of homeowner families are changed forever in Habitat for Humanity homes. Each family experiences the pride and responsibility of home ownership. Children experience stability and thrive in a safe and secure environment.

Habitat Homes are Affordable

Habitat for Humanity homes are not given away. Our homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, 0% interest mortgages. The family pays monthly mortgage payments in addition to paying for property taxes, insurance and home maintenance.

To find out if you fit our income guidelines, click here.

It's Not the Right Choice for Everyone

There are strict criteria for qualifying for a Habitat home, and the selection process takes six months or more. Credit checks, references and a review through the MA sex offender registry are required. Habitat for Humanity homes are not quick solutions to immediate housing needs. Sometimes, fundraising and construction activities can take up to several years before a family can move in to their new home.

Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Lender

Habitat for Humanity families are selected without regard to age, sex, sexual preference, marital status, disability, race, religion or national origin.

How Can You Qualify?

1. You now live or work in one of the communities served by Habitat for Humanity NCM. Click here to see our service area map.

2. You are a US citizen or have documented legal status as a permanent resident alien.

3. You live in substandard, overcrowded, inadequate, unsafe or inappropriate housing.

4. Although unable to qualify for a standard mortgage, you can consistently meet Habitat's zero interest mortgage payments. You are responsible in paying your current and past bills, have manageable debt and have a steady income from employment or other income source.

5. You are willing to partner with Habitat by investing "sweat equity" of 300 hours for a one-adult household and 500 hours for a two-adult household.

6. You meet the Habitat for Humanaity Income Guidelines. To find out if you fit our income guidelines, click here.

The Application Process

Attend one of several public orientation meetings to learn about Habitat for Humanity, hear about the houses planned, and understand the application process. The application packet is only provided at one of these public meetings. Be sure we have your current mailing address if you are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner so we can invite you to one of our meetings by letter.

Complete the application and provide the required documents, much like applying for a loan at your local bank. Information requested in the application includes your current living arrangements, family members, sources of income, and other financial information, your current rent, and employment information. You will also have a chance to write a short letter describing why you want to be a Habitat for Humanity homeowner.

Return the application by appointment to meet with a representative of the family selection committee.

Meet with family selection representatives in your current home if you are a finalist. They will verify the application information, understand your current housing situation, ask and answer questions and assess your willingness to partner with us.

If you are interested in becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, let us know! Call 978-348-2749 or send an email to: office@ncmhabitat.org.

You will receive an information packet and we'll contact you when a public information meeting is scheduled.

Please remember to give us your current mailing address if you move.