Applying for a Habitat home is an unparalleled opportunity that can impact a family for generations to come. However, it requires a significant commitment from applicants.
Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity partners with responsible families in need to become homeowners. The Habitat homeowner program is a hand-up, not a hand-out. It is not a solution for emergency housing needs, as the program usually takes one year or more from selection date to move in date.
Qualified applicants must live or work in Beaufort or Jasper Counties.
Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity selects families based on the following criteria:
- Need for adequate shelter
- Income – must be verified
- For Beaufort County, between 30% and 60% of area median income
- For Jasper County, between 40% and 70% of area median income
- Have ability to pay closing costs of 2% of sales price
- Have ability to pay interest-free mortgage
- Have a willingness to perform Sweat Equity hours which includes mandatory educational workshops
Sweat Equity is hands-on involvement by partner families on their own home and the homes of other Habitat families. Homebuyers must complete 300+ hours of service before they purchase their home, including 100 hours before construction of their home begins. Sweat Equity hours may be earned through construction, site preparation, volunteering at the ReStore, educational workshops and supporting other Habitat activities.
Upon closing, Habitat homeowners pay a no-interest, no-profit mortgage to our Fund for Humanity which is used to build more houses.
