Do you want to buy a simple, decent, affordable home?  

The three areas that are looked at in considering potential participants in the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity program are the applicant's need for housing based on the condition of their current residence, the applicant's current income and ability to pay the monthly mortgage on the Habitat house, and the applicant's willingness to partner with Habitat by fully participating in the program.

Need:
You may qualify for a Habitat home if your housing is substandard, overcrowded, or unstable, or if you are “cost burdened.” Substandard housing may include: Structural defects or safety problems, an unsafe neighborhood, inaccessibility to public transportation, inaccessibility of the home for disabled people, overcrowding—more than 2 people in one bedroom or children of opposite sexes having to share a room, unstable living situation due to having to live with extended family or friends, unstable living situation due to terms of lease, or living in subsidized housing. The term “cost-burdened”  means that more than 30% of your monthly income is spent on your rent and there are no affordable alternatives.

Ability to Pay:
You must show proof of income. Your debt should not be so large that taking on a house payment would result in not having enough income left for normal expenses. You need to demonstrate the ability to be reliable in paying your rent, utilities and other bills.  Average mortgage payments for a Habitat home is $450 per month.  

The following info will help you decide if your YEARLY income is within Habitat guidelines.

Minimum income is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Maximun income guidelines up to 80% of Area Median Income.  See below chart for max income levels:

Willingness to Partner:
You must be willing to participate in the application process, including providing the necessary documentation by the deadlines given and signing agreements for verifications and credit checks. Habitat partners work side by side with other future homeowners, community volunteers, and Habitat staff to build homes. Your work in the construction of your home and the homes of others is called “sweat equity”. As a partner with Habitat, you must complete a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity. Your family can recruit friends and relatives to help with up to 50 hours of this total. You must also attend 10 required homebuyer education classes. You must be honest and open in all of your dealings with Pensacola Habitat, including keeping us informed of any changes in your circumstances that occur during the process. After you buy and move into your home, you will be responsible for making your mortgage payments on time each month. Your payments will help build homes for others. You will be responsible for maintaining your home and keeping it in good repair.

How do I apply?
The first step to owning a Habitat home is to apply.  Application orientation meetings are held regularly in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Milton.  To sign-up for application orientation please call the Habitat office at 850-434-5456 or [ email ].  

Application Orientation Meetings
Escambia County
1st Thursday of every month at 6:45pm in the Habitat office 300 W. Leonard St.     across from Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church.
2nd Thursday of every month: New Faith Missionary Baptist Church at 6:45 p.m.
3rd Thursday of every month: Brownsville Assembly of God  at 6:45 p.m.
4th Monday of every month: First Baptist Church of Warrington  at 6:45 p.m.

North Santa Rosa County (Milton area)
2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. James Street Baptist Church
4th Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. East Milton Assembly of God