Application FAQ's

How can I apply | Who can apply? | Income criteria | Manditory requirements | What is "Sweat Equity?" | Application process | Selection process

How can I apply?

Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District holds periodic information sessions where families can learn about Habitat, learn who qualifies for a Habitat home, and can obtain an application for a Habitat home.

Information sessions are advertised on this web site and through the local media.

The number of information sessions and application periods is a direct result of the number of houses that Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District can raise community funds to help build.

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Who can apply?

1. You must attend one of the Family Selection Committee information sessions in order to receive an application.
2. You have a child or children that will benefit from a simple, decent, affordable home.
   
3. You must have a steady income and demonstrated work history with sufficient income to re-pay the interest free mortgage and maintain the home.
   Long term debt is also considered and debt payments should not exceed 40% of the total family gross income.
   
4. You are unable to qualify for or can not afford a conventional mortgage.
   
5. Your present housing situation does not meet your family needs.
   It may be too small, too costly, in poor shape, unhealthy, unsafe, etc.
   
6. You are willing and able to become a partner with Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District by investing 500 volunteer hours in working with Habitat, in the construction of your own home and in helping with other builds, or other Habitat activities.

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Income criteria?

Your family gross annual income (before deductions) should be more than $20,000.00

But less than the following Low Income Cut-Offs (LICO) listed below:

Family Size (adults and children) Maximum Yearly Income:

• 2 persons - $22,276
• 3 persons - $27,386
• 4 persons - $33,251
• 5 persons - $37,711
• 6 persons - $42,533
• 7+ persons - $47,354
  

** Please note that the information above is subject to change. **

If you are disabled and unable to work, but have sufficient disability income, you are invited to make an application, giving clear information about the disability and if applicable, information on past work history.

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Manditory requirements

1. You must be a Canadian citizen
2. You must be living in the Sudbury Region presently and show that you have lived here for the past two years.
3. In case of a prior personal bankruptcy, you must produce proof of discharge, dating at least two years prior to your application date.
4. You must provide references from 2 persons (who are not relatives) that know you well enough to recommend your willingness to become a Habitat partner and your ability to pay for and maintain a home. Additional references may also be required from your landlord, employer and bank.
5. You must consent to a credit check.
6. You must be willing to accept all the responsibilities of home ownership including insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance, and other common homeowner expenses.
   Partner families must agree to be responsible homeowners maintaining their property at a respectable level and must be able and willing to be good neighbors living in harmony with other families of diverse social, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
7. You must be willing to attend any new homeowner training sessions that may be required.
8. You must be willing and able to assume responsibility for closing costs and the cost of moving into your new home.

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What is "Sweat Equity?"

1. Sweat Equity is volunteer work done by the Partner Family as a requirement of the partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Sudbury District. Sweat Equity has no cash value.
2. Partner Families must complete 500 hours of Sweat Equity.
3. The required Sweat Equity hours must be completed before the Partner Family can move into the house.
   (a) A Partner Family with two (2) applicants may enlist up to a maximum of five (5) extended family or friends to contribute up to 20% of the required Sweat Equity hours. These hours may only be earned on the construction of the Partner Family home.
   (b) A Partner Family with one (1) applicant may enlist up to a maximum of five (5) extended family or friends to contribute up to 50% of the required Sweat Equity hours. One hundred (100) of the hours contributed by family and friends must be earned on the construction of the Partner Family home.
4. On the last business day of each month, the Partner Family must report their Sweat Equity hours earned to HFH Sudbury District.
5. Sweat Equity requirements for disabled adult members of the Partner Family will be determined on a case-by-case basis supported by medical evidence. Final decision will be made by the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District.
6. Sweat Equity hours for children (age 14 years and older) of the Partner Family may be counted if they are earned at an activity approved in advance by the Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District Board of Directors.

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Application process

An initial screening is done by the Family Selection Committee to determine whether you meet the general selection criteria.

If you do meet the general selection criteria, Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District will require a credit check be conducted.

The Family Selection Committee will assess your application along with all of the other applications that have been received

After weighing your application against the selection criteria, the committee will make a decision whether it meets sufficient standards to warrant a home visit from the committee.

If your application meets these standards, you will receive a telephone call to arrange a home visit.

After assessing the results of the home visit, the committee will recommend whether you will progress to a second evaluation.

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Selection process

All applications are assessed equally according to selection criteria, thus your chances are as good as anyone else’s.

The number of families approved to become Habitat Partners is a direct result of the number of houses that Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District can raise community funds to help build.

** Applicants will be disqualified for providing incomplete or misleading information.** 

Partners: Genworth Financial Canada | The Greater City of Sudbury | CTV