Applying for a house
Applications are currently closed for house #20. If you are interested in applying for our 21st home please contact Margaret Stone, Executive Director, at 785-537-7545 or by e-mail, director@manhattanareahabitat.org
The Criteria:
* NEED - Family must demonstrate a need for adequate and affordable housing.
* ABILITY TO PAY - Applicant families must be credit worthy. Family's gross income must fall within income guidelines (maximum annual income for a family of four is $33,720, minimum annual income for any size family is $21,000).
* WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER -Family must agree to form a partnership with MAHFH that includes performing a number of 'sweat equity' hours during the building of their own home, attendng Habitat-sponsored events or otherwise assisting MAHFH.
* ATTEND ORIENTATION SESSIONS - An overview of MAHFH is provided at the sessions. Applications can ONLY be obtained following attendance of one of the sessions listed above.
* RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT - Applicant must have lived or worked in Riley or Pottawatomie County for at least one year and be a legal resident of the United States.
How the Program Works:
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent homes with the "sweat equity" help of the homeowner families. Homes built with Habitat for Humanity are sold to homeowner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans.
Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their home, and homes for others.
The Cost of a Habitat home
The cost of homes vary depending on the size and type in the Riley and Pottawatomie county area. Habitat homes are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage.
The money to build a home is raised through the generous contributions of individuals, churches and faith groups, business and organizations. This money combined with generous “in-kind” donations, the time of hundreds of volunteers and the “sweat equity” of the homeowner families enables the Manhattan-Area Habitat for Humanity to bring decent, affordable housing to families in need.
Become a Partner Family
Families in need of decent, affordable homes in either Riley or Pottawatomie counties may apply during the application period.
Our family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Manhattan-Area Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate in its process of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who participate in the Habitat homes program.
If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, you can contact us at (785) 537-7545 or e-mail either the executive director (director@manhattanareahabitat.org) or family selection committee chair for more information. You will be notified by a member of the family selection committee when we open enrollment and you can attend a training session at that time for further detail and guidance through the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Habitat for Humanity do?
We are a non-profit organization that builds houses for individuals and families within our community who are need of decent affordable housing. Our homebuyers sign a 20 year interest free mortgage and typically pay back a total of $40,000- $44,000.
How did Habitat for Humanity start in Manhattan?
A group of concerned citizens began meeting to attempt to solve the problem of inadequate housing in the Manhattan and Riley county area. Habitat for Humanity became affiliated in Manhattan in 1994.
How can someone become a homeowner?
Applications are accepted by our office for a six week period approximately once per year.
In order to qualify, the family must meet three criteria: the ability to pay back a no interest 20-year mortgage, a need for adequate housing, and willingness to partner with our organization and fulfill the sweat equity requirements.
What is sweat equity?
Sweat equity is the term used for the amount of hours the family puts into the construction of their home and other volunteer opportunities within our organization.
What is the staffing structure of Manhattan Habitat for Humanity?
Currently, we employ one full-time Executive Director. The organization is overseen by an 18- member volunteer Board of Directors from various parts of our community. Additionally, we have committees who do a tremendous amount of work on a volunteer basis as well as many volunteer crews who construct our homes on Saturdays.
When do you build?
We currently only build on Saturdays. As our capacity increases, we would like to add additional work days.
Do I need to sign up to volunteer on Saturdays?
Yes - please call at least a week in advance!
How much of my donation actually goes into the construction of the homes?
100% of your donation goes tobuild homes for families!
What is Manhattan Habitat for Humanity s largest need currently?
One or more city lots or land for a neighborhood development.
How is construction of the homes funded?
We hold various fundraisers throughout the year. Currently, our largest events include Chocolate and Tea at Three in the spring, Row for Humanity in late winter, and Any Given Sunday in early fall. We also receive support from individuals through a campaign called Builder s Club. Each time we break ground on a new home we request a pledge from our Builder s Club members. Foundation Partners is a program in which local businesses donate financially or new materials to our efforts.
Do you build homes with any used materials?
No, we do not put used materials in our homes. Our affiliate has made a commitment to our homebuyers that we will only use new materials in the homes that we build! We do accept most gently used materials for resale in our ReStore program.
Do Habitat homebuyers receive a free home?
No, homebuyers purchase the home from our organization and take on responsibilities very much like any other homebuyer. Each homebuyer signs an interest-free mortgage and makes a payment of approximately $350-450 each month. Habitat homebuyers pay their own property tax and homeowner's insurance.
How many homes have you built?
Since 1995 when Habitat Area Habitat for Humanity began in Manhattan, we have built 19 homes which includes 2 duplexes. We recently have purchased lots in Ogden and hope to begin the building process soon.