homeownership

Partner Family Selection is Currently Paused
We are not currently accepting applications for homeownership. To be notified when a home becomes available and the selection process reopens, please join our email list via the form below.

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How Habitat Homeownership Works

At Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean County, we believe in a hand-up, not a handout. Families who partner with us help build their own homes—and the homes of others—and then purchase their home through an affordable mortgage. Here’s how it works:

 

How Families Are Selected

Homeowner applicants are evaluated based on three key criteria:

• Need for safe, decent, affordable housing

• Willingness to partner with Habitat

• Ability to pay an affordable mortgage

Families go through a thorough application and interview process and are required to attend an orientation session before applying.

 

What Is Sweat Equity?

Sweat equity is the time and effort a future homeowner puts into the Habitat program. It is a core part of our model. Homeowners contribute 300–500 hours of sweat equity, which may include:

• Working on the construction of their own or other Habitat homes

• Participating in homeowner education or financial literacy classes

• Helping with office tasks, events, or volunteering at the ReStore

• Providing meals for volunteers or attending planning meetings

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Buying the Home

Once the house is complete, the family purchases it from Habitat through a no-interest mortgage. Their monthly payments are then used to fund the construction of future Habitat homes—creating a cycle of empowerment and community investment.