There are three areas that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga uses to determine if an applicant is eligible for becoming a partner family:

Need for Housing

1. The family does not qualify for homeownership through traditional financing such as banks or mortgage companies or any other special purpose loan programs.
2. The family's income is not more than 60% of the median income in Hamilton County. (See Chart Below for Income Guidelines)
3. The family is spending 50% or more of their income for housing and does not have a down payment for a home.
4. The family is receiving temporary, non-sustaining financial support that helps them spend less than 50% of their income for housing. Upon losing the assistance, the family will spend more than 50% on housing.
5. The family's current housing has defective living conditions (water, electrical, heating or does not meet city property maintenance standards.)
6. The family's housing is overcrowded.
7. The family's home does not accommodate the needs of a disabled household member.
8. The family is living in temporary housing under one of the circumstances listed below:
   1. the family is in a tentative living arrangement with relatives or friends;
   2. the family is living in a transitional housing facility or motel;
   3. the family is living in housing that is being condemned, sold or moved;
   4. the family is losing its lease, certificate or voucher due to uncontrollable circumstances;
   5. The family is living in a car, tent or similar "quasi-homeless" situation.

Ability to Pay

You will be buying your home from Habitat for Humanity. Applicants must show the ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. The payments include a no-interest mortgage payment, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.

1. The family has a reliable source of income.
2. The family's annual income is not less than 30% or greater than 60% of the annual median income of Hamilton County
3. The family's income is adequate to make monthly mortgage payment while also meeting their other debt and living expenses.
4. The family has a credit history free of liens and judgements that would prohibit their ability to sign a mortgage.

* The Family Selection Committee reserves the right to make special considerations when appropriate.

Willingness to Partner
Once selected by Habitat for Humanity, you become a Habitat Partner Family. Partner families complete a minimum of 350 hours of volunteer work with Habitat, called “Sweat Equity”, which must be completed before moving into the home.

1. The family is committed to being a full partner in construction of their home.
2. The family understands Habitat's "sweat equity" requirements and is wiling to fullfil it.
3. The family agrees to participate in homeowner education classes that prepare them for successful and sustained homeownership.

Apply
The following questionnaire is not an application, but is the first step in the application process.

Applicants must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident who have lived or worked in Hamilton County for the past 12 months.

Download PDF Application