First step to apply
During quarterly application rounds, and if you have read the below guidelines and feel you meet the qualifications, you may send an inquiry email to:
Families@habitatworcester.org with “Critical Repair” as the subject. Briefly outline the need for repairs and times you are available for an initial phone call and a Family Selection Committee member will be in touch. Please note, we are unable to accommodate requests that are sent outside of application periods. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October. Please note that the April 2024 application round is paused and we will not be accepting new applicants during that period.
The general guidelines for acceptance are as follows
- Must Demonstrate a Need – recent hardship has changed financial circumstances, cannot pay for or obtain a traditional loan for the work, is physically unable to perform the work on one’s own, health crisis, etc.
- Willingness to Partner – Agree to perform “sweat equity” hours, additional terms as defined throughout the process
- Ability to Pay for Repairs – The cost for repairs is paid back to Habitat Worcester or a third party funder such as the USDA. Families must earn between 30% - 80% of the AMI for Worcester County (as defined by HUD) to qualify.
- Must Pass Credit and Background Checks – including but not limited to a minimum credit score, criminal, sexual and terrorist background checks; there must not be any liens or judgments against the applicant or co-applicant
- Application Fee: $30 to help cover the costs incurred by the affiliate
- Must be a US Citizen or Resident and Worcester County, MD resident for at least one year.
- Must own the home and provide proof of current homeowner’s insurance.
- Veterans Build Applicants – Qualified veterans will be asked to provide a copy of their DD214 form.
Additional Resources outside of Habitat for Homeowner-Occupied Repairs:
Worcester County’s Housing Rehabilitation Program
