Applying

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for low-income families in need of a simple, decent place to live.

Mid-Yellowstone Valley Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Housing Opportunity builder. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

• Since our founding in 1992, Habitat for Humanity Mid-Yellowstone has built 51 homes for deserving families.
• To date we have helped house families including more than 150 children, throughout our community.

All potential applicants must contact Habitat for Humanity Mid-Yellowstone directly for pre-screening and an application.

1. Are you presently living in inadequate housing?

The primary criterion for qualifying for a Habitat for Humanity home is a family's need for simple, decent housing. Habitat defines inadequate housing as:

• overcrowding (more than two persons sharing a bedroom)
• incomplete or non-functioning kitchen and/or bath; problems with electricity or heating
• structural damage to roof, foundation, walls, floors, etc.
• inadequate facilities for special needs like physical disabilities

2. Are you currently paying more than 50% of your household's gross monthly income for housing?

If your current housing is adequate but too expensive, you may qualify by proving that you have previously (within the last four years) lived in inadequate housing and that the only alternative was this, more expensive, housing.

3. Can you afford a monthly house payment of about $500?

Your family must have sufficient income to meet monthly mortgage payments of approximately $500, including taxes and insurance, as well as normal living expenses. Your family's income must fall within certain low-income guidelines to insure that you do not qualify for other housing programs or conventional financing. We will consider all forms of income, including alimony, child support, public assistance, SSI/disability, etc. You do not have to have perfect credit, but you must show that you are committed to improving your financial situation. Your family must fall within the following 2010 income ranges:

4. Are you willing to partner with Habitat by helping to build other people's homes as well as your own?

You will need to complete between 350 and 500 hours of sweat equity, depending on your family's size, before you can move into a home. A minimum of 75% of these hours must be worked on our construction sites. You do not need to have prior construction experience. You can also complete sweat equity by helping with other functions of the affiliate like helping with the newsletters, doing office and/or committee work, making lunches for work crews, etc. You must also be willing to live where Habitat is currently building.

5. You must have resided in Yellowstone County for at least the past year.

If you feel you meet all these requirements, please contact the Habitat office at 406.652.0960 or by email applications@billingshabitat.org for further information to determine your eligibility and how to receive an application.