The basic guidelines for a Habitat Partner Family are: need for housing, ability to pay for and maintain a home and willingness to partner with Habitat.

Applicants who need housing are currently living in a home that has unsafe conditions, is overcrowded or costs too much.

Qualified families will have a yearly income between 30% and 50% of the county's median income based on family size. For 2008, the acceptable income range for a family of four is between $16,100 and $26,800. Families must not have filed for bankruptcy within two years, and those with low credit scores must show that they are working to improve their credit. The Family Selection Committee will ensure that applicants have adequate income for a mortgage payment, monthly bills and home maintainance costs.

Each adult family member works at least 15 hours per week performing sweat equity by: building homes, helping at the Habitat office, ReStore and local events, promoting Habitat for Humanity in the community and attending workshops to learn about owning and caring for a home.

Complete and return a pre-application or contact the office for more information.