Habitat + USDA = homes
Habitat of Polk County’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time, and dedication to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners. Our homeownership process prepares homebuyers for homeownership responsibilities including personal finance, budgeting, mortgages, home maintenance, and more.
Habitat of Polk County works in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to build homes for hardworking low-income families. Potential Habitat homeowners will need to first be approved for the USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan 502 program. For more information on the USDA 502 program visit: USDA 502 Program or copy and paste the link in your browser:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans/tx
Once an applicant has qualified for the USDA 502 program, contact our office for next steps. 936-337-0502
Basic habitat requirements
Need
- Your current housing is inadequate, unsafe, unaffordable, or unhealthy.
- You live in subsidized housing.
Ability to pay
- You have stable income that falls below the 80% of HUD median area income for Polk County.
- You make timely payments on your debt.
willing to partner
- You are willing to complete 350 hours of sweat equity (assisting with construction, volunteering at the resale store, attending classes, etc.)
other
- You’ve lived in Polk County for at least one year.
- You are a legal or permanent US citizen.
2022 Income Requirements
what is a habitat home?
A Habitat house is a simple and affordable home built by volunteers led by a construction manager and the family who will purchase it. Habitat homes improve the lives of homeowners by creating an opportunity for more financial stability, healthier living conditions, and stable environments to raise a family.
~ A hand up, not a hand out. ~
Are the homes free?
Habitat home are not free, but they are more affordable than traditional homes. Habitat homeowners own their homes, make monthly mortgage payments, and are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their homes.
how to apply
Potential Habitat homeowners will need to first be approved for the USDA’s Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans 502 program. For more information on the USDA 502 program visit: USDA 502 Program or copy and paste the link in your browser:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans/tx
Once an applicant has qualified for the USDA 502 program, they should contact our office for next steps. 936-337-0502
