Habitat Chicago | Qualification Checklist

Qualification Checklist

Qualification to become a Habitat for Humanity Chicago Homeowner is based on three criteria: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.

Need

Need is determined by the applicants' current shelter. Evaluation of conditions in current housing, which may include, but not limited to:

Structural problems
Problems with plumbing, sewage, or electrical systems
Unsafe heating system or no formal heating system
Little or no insulation
Lack of functioning entrance and exit points (front and back doors)
Unhealthy conditions including, but not limited to, mold due to roof leaks or pest infestation due to structural cracks and crevices
Inoperable kitchen or bathroom
Overcrowding (determined by number of persons, their ages, and gender)
Cost-burdened (cost of rent plus utilities-excluding phone- is greater than 35% of family's monthly income)
Homelessness (living with friends or relatives or in temporary housing)
Family has been denied conventional or government assisted housing

Willingness to Partner

Willingness to participate as a "partner" with HFHC

Ability to Pay

Current income and ability to pay for a Habitat house is assessed based on the following:

Applicant Debt to Income Ratio (DTI) below 42%
No judgments or liens more than 2 years old
No collections over $1,000
If applicable, bankruptcy and foreclosure discharged for at least 24 months
Savings ($500 minimum) with ability to save an additional $1200 for closing costs
Applicant income must be between 40-80% of the area median income, depending on family size. Refer to the City of Chicago Area Median Income Chart for more details

Recommendations:

Visit our build site in West Pullman (119th - 120th and Union St)

View home floorplans.

Review the overview.