Become a Homeowner
Habitat is a hand-up, not a hand-out for low-income families in need of an affordable, decent home. Partner families commit 500 hours of sweat equity working on their own home, the homes of others, and attaining skills needed for self-sufficiency and responsible homeownership. Families also repay a modest no-profit, no-interest loan with affordable monthly payments. Payments go into a revolving fund to build homes for more families in Tompkins and Cortland Counties.
If your family is in need of a simple, decent, affordable home, please read through our brochure, take and read through our guidelines below. If you can answer YES to all of the questions, please contact us at tompkinscortland@habitatnys.org or (607) 898-4148 to request an application.
Habitat for Humanity Family Brochure
Habitat for Humanity Partner Family Pre-Application for Housing
You may be eligible for a Habitat home if you meet the 4 guidelines: residency, need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. If you can answer YES to all of the questions below, you are eligible to apply for housing through Habitat.
1. Residency
Have you been a resident of either Tompkins or Cortland Counties for at least one year?
2. Need
If you have ever owned a home, was it more than three years ago?
Based on the chart below, Is your family’s income between your county’s income levels based on family size?
Income Guidelines for applicants living in Tompkins County for 2009-10:
| 1 person | 2 person | 3 person | 4 person | 5 person | 6 person | 7 person | 8 person |
| $15,100 | $17,250 | $19,400 | $21,550 | $23,250 | $25,000 | $26,700 | $28,450 |
| $30,198 | $34,500 | $38,800 | $43,100 | $46,500 | $50,000 | $53,400 | $56,900 |
Income Guidelines for applicants living in Cortland County for 2009-10:
| 1 person | 2 person | 3 person | 4 person | 5 person | 6 person | 7 person | 8 person |
| $11,950 | $13,650 | $15,350 | $17,050 | $18,400 | $19,800 | $21,150 | $22,500 |
| $23,900 | $27,300 | $30,700 | $34,100 | $36,800 | $39,600 | $42,300 | $45,000 |
Example: A family of 2 adults and 2 children (4 person house hold) living in Tompkins County with a combined income of $35,000 would be eligible.
3. Ability to Pay
I do not have excessive credit card debt or multiple bills in collections.
I have not declared bankruptcy in the last three years.
Do you pay your rent on time?
Do you currently have stable income and could afford monthly mortgage payments?
4. Willingness to partner with Habitat:
Are you willing to partner with Habitat and put in 500 hours of “sweat equity,” first working on other families’ homes, then building your own?
Are you willing to attend budget and homeowner maintenance workshops?
Are you willing to live in the areas in which Habitat is building?
