How the Program Works
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is an ecumenical Christian organization that builds homes in partnership with low-income working families in Williamson County. With the generous support and volunteer participation of churches, businesses, and civic groups we are able to provide our partner families with the life-changing opportunity of purchasing a decent, affordable home.
Partner Families are selected by a Family Selection Committee based on three criteria:
1. Need for adequate housing
A need for adequate housing is defined as living in a dwelling which lacks proper plumbing or wiring, has structural problems or is in a state of disrepair. It can also mean that the family lives in overcrowded conditions or the rent is a cost burden. We follow HUD guidelines for determining what is considered “cost-burdened” housing.
2. Ability to pay
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County works specifically with families who have stable income. Applicants are not selected if they can obtain financing by conventional means. Income includes Employment, Social Security, pension, Disability, Worker’s Compensation, Alimony and reliable Child Support.
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and serves the residents and employees of Williamson County therefore, applicants must live or work in Williamson County for the past 12 months.
Our applicants must earn between 30-55% of the Nashville Metro Median Income as determined by the latest HUD Median Income amounts (statistics are not available for Williamson County).
2008 HUD income limits are as follows:
| # of Persons in Family |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
30% Limit |
13,250 | 15,150 | 17,050 | 18,950 | 20,450 | 22,000 | 23,500 |
Very Low (50%) Limit |
22,100 | 25,300 | 28,450 | 31,600 | 34,150 | 36,650 | 39,200 |
We consider the income of all adults (18 or older) in the household who will be living in the house. Applicants must verify their employment history and provide documentation of the past three years of annual household income.
3. Willingness to partner
A willingness to partner is essential for the success of the applicant in achieving homeownership through our program. Our partner families are required to earn 500 hours of “sweat equity” before purchasing their home. Sweat equity is earned by attending financial management classes, home maintenance classes and other educational classes provided through our affiliate. The program is meant to be a partnership between our staff, our volunteers and our future homeowners. In addition, partner families earn sweat equity hours by working on the homes of other partner families in the program and finally on their own home. Some hours can be earned by friends and family members.
We accept applications year round. For more information, please contact Lisa McIntyre, Family Services Director at lmcintyre@habitatwilliamson.org.
Partnership Application: English (.pdf)
Aplicación de Socio: Español (.pdf)
NOTICE: The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age (provided the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program, or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Project Act. The federal agency that administers compliance with this law concerning this credit is the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C.