What is the New Home Program?
The New Home Program is, in many ways, the core of Itasca County Habitat for Humanity's work. Habitat partners with families in the community who are in need of decent, affordable housing. Habitat staff and volunteers work alongside families to build homes that accommodate their needs, allowing future homeowners to cultivate strength, stability, and self-reliance throughout the process. Habitat enables affordable home ownership by allowing families to purchase their homes with 0-interest mortgage. Families that partner with Habitat also contribute to Habitat's mission by volunteering and working on the construction of their homes, which we call "sweat equity."
Habitat homes are constructed using all new materials that are either donated or purchased and approximately 90 percent of the labor to build the home is done by volunteers. Our homes are built to the standards of the Minnesota Green Communities criteria and are Energy Star certified.
Habitat homes are constructed using all new materials that are either donated or purchased and approximately 90 percent of the labor to build the home is done by volunteers. Our homes are built to the standards of the Minnesota Green Communities criteria and are Energy Star certified.
Application Process
If you think you might like to apply for our new home program, fill out the pre-screening form at the bottom of this page. This asks a few questions that will help us get a good idea of whether or not you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. If you meet these requirements, we'll help you proceed with the application process.
We encourage potential partner families to get in touch with us as you begin the application process so that we can help you figure out whether or not you might be a good fit. Call or email Itasca County Habitat for Humanity to learn more about the process and ask any questions you might have. Our staff is always willing to explain how our program works and help you out with your application. Home ownership is a big step, and we want you to know the benefits and the obligations of partnering with Habitat.
We encourage potential partner families to get in touch with us as you begin the application process so that we can help you figure out whether or not you might be a good fit. Call or email Itasca County Habitat for Humanity to learn more about the process and ask any questions you might have. Our staff is always willing to explain how our program works and help you out with your application. Home ownership is a big step, and we want you to know the benefits and the obligations of partnering with Habitat.
1. Fill out the pre-screening form below.
The pre-screening form asks for some information such as annual income and household size so we can see if you might be a good fit for the program. There is no commitment at this stage - it's the first step for anyone who's interested. If you meet our minimum requirements, we'll email you an application to fill out. We may also contact you by phone or email to ask further questions.
2. Fill out an application.
You can print and fill out the application, or you can stop in and pick one up at our office. The application is comprehensive and requires a lot of documents, including tax returns, pay stubs, and credit reports. The full list of required documents is on the application checklist. Before submitting your application, make sure you've attached all of the required documents, since we are unable to consider incomplete applications.
3. Submit your application.
You can submit your application by mailing it to us at 501 SE 11th St. in Grand Rapids, MN. Address your envelope to Itasca County Habitat for Humanity or ICHFH. You can also drop off your application in person at the ReStore or the office.
4. Initial Review
After your application is submitted, staff will do an initial review of your need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat. We may also pull civil/criminal and sex offender records and request a landlord reference.
5. Home Visit
As the Family Selection Committee begins to review your application they may arrange what we call a "home visit," which is a tour of your current home and an interview of your family by two or more members of the Family Selection Committee. The purpose of the home visit is to discuss the Habitat housing program in further detail and gain further information on your family's current living conditions. All heads of the household must participate and the entire family should be present.
6. Family Selection Committee
After your home visit, your application is reviewed by the entire Family Selection Committee. The committee reviews the information submitted on the application form, financial documents, and information obtained at the home visit to determine whether your application meets the program guidelines.
7. Final Review
If approved by the Family Selection Committee, your application is forwarded to the Habitat Board of Directors for a final review and approval. If the committee does not approve your application, you will be notified in writing with the reason for denial.
8. Acceptance Meeting
If approved by the Board of Directors you will be contacted to set a date for an acceptance meeting.
