Home Ownership is possible
We believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.
Our home-ownership program provides opportunities for low-income individuals and families to increase their independence and economic well-being through affordable home-ownership. You can help us spread the word about our program and share some of the details about home-ownership through Habitat:
- We work with families to make the dream of owning a home accessible! Our organization collects the same information that mortgage companies use to qualify applicants for a mortgage. Our families pay a mortgage, insurance and property taxes on their homes. Applicants must show proof that they are capable of affording a mortgage payment.
- Families who qualify for our program have stable incomes. The notion that St. Croix Valley Habitat provides homes for families who earn an income equal or less than the poverty line is not really true. Poverty level income is just one aspect of owning a home through Habitat.
- We will begin taking applications for our 2022 builds soon. Please check back for application information in 2021.
How does habitat for humanity's homeownership program work?
Families and individuals in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership as home applications begin to be taken. Each local Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:
- The applicant’s level of need.
- Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
- Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
As part of their willingness to partner, Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners.
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners.
WE ALL NEED A LITTLE HELP SOMETIMES
A BRUSH WITH KINDNESS
A BRUSH WITH KINDNESS
A BRUSH WITH KINDNESS
A Brush with Kindness (ABWK) is a great way to inspire and engage others to take action in revitalizing neighborhoods and entire communities. The focus is exterior repairs of existing homes. Repairs are related to general poor structural conditions, safety, landscaping and painting, as well as special needs including wheelchair ramps, veteran assistance, and aging-in-place assistance.
Types of Work We Do:
- Grading/landscaping to improve drainage, accessibility and/or aesthetics
- Exterior repairs to doors, windows, porches, etc.
- Painting and/or siding repair
- Minor structural repairs
- Installation of handicap-accessible ramps and railings
- Other necessary, exterior home repairs
Qualified Homeowners Must:
- Own and reside in a home in need of repairs within Pierce or St. Croix counties (no rental properties or mobile homes)
- Provide proof of ownership
- Have (and provide proof of) homeowner’s insurance coverage
- Have an income below 60% of the median family income for Pierce and St. Croix counties
- Be able to repay project costs (at no interest) within the next 5 to 10 years, with monthly payments not exceeding 10% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income
- Be up-to-date on property taxes and mortgage payments (if any)
- Agree to partner in all aspects of the repair project
Download and complete the A Brush With Kindness Application (above) and send it to our office at 749 Ryan Drive, Hudson, WI 54016.
AGING IN PLACE
A BRUSH WITH KINDNESS
A BRUSH WITH KINDNESS
Helping older, low-income homeowners safely stay in the homes they own and love is the goal of the Aging In Place program.
To qualify for the AIP Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the home full time.
- Own no property other than the home.
- Age 60 or older, or someone else age 60 or older lives in the home full time.
- Home is in St. Croix or Pierce Counties, WI.
- City and county property taxes on the home are current.
- Mortgage on the home is current and can prove this.
- Meet the income guidelines for the program.
- Have proof of ownership of the property.
Work that may be provided includes:
- Modifications to improve mobility, accessibility and safety, such as grab bars, wheelchair ramps, repairing water leaks, electrical repairs and other work that fits within the guidelines of the AIP program.
- Cosmetic work is, unfortunately, NOT covered under this program.
- If your home is not a detached, single-family home (example: a condo or mobile home), you may not be eligible for certain services.
Habitat will pay all costs for materials and AIP work as a GRANT TO YOU, but a restriction will be placed on the deed of your home. You will not have to repay the grant unless you sell or transfer ownership of your home within 5 years after AIP work is completed. If you continue to live in your home for 5 years after work is completed and follow all grant terms, your balance is reduced to ZERO, and you owe nothing. The grant restriction is forgiven at a rate of 20% per year. You will also need to participate in post-project surveying at 2 months, 1 year, and 3 years after work has been completed.
Download and complete the Aging In Place application above and send it to our office at 749 Ryan Drive, Hudson, WI 54016.
Due to the nature of Habitat’s program requirements, we cannot help families in emergency situations. Persons needing immediate housing assistance are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 (United Way St. Croix Valley), Our Neighbors’ Place (715-426-9000) or the Salvation Army – Grace Place (715-246-1222).
