Are You Interested In Habitat Homeownership?

How Are "Partner Families" Selected?

1. Interested families should obtain a pre-screening questionnaire directly from the office or by calling the office and requesting one by mail.

2. The questionnaire should be fully completed and returned to the office.    

3. If the initial criteria are met based on the pre-screening questionnaire, applicants are invited to complete a full application and attend an information session with a Family Selection Committee volunteer. 

4. After the application session, a home visit may be conducted by 2 Habitat volunteers if the applicant meets the income and credit requirements.  This home visit assesses the substandard nature of the applicants' current living situation.

5. After steps 1-4 are complete, the applicant is presented for approval by our Family Selection Committee.

6. Upon approval by this committee, the application is then presented to the Board of Directors for final approval for Partnership.

Am I Eligible To Apply For A Habitat House?

If you can answer yes to the following questions then you should attend a community meeting.
1. Are you a U.S. citizen?

2. Have you been a resident of Talbot or Dorchester County or are you employed in either Talbot or Dorchester County for at least 6 months?
3. Are you currently living in substandard housing which can be defined as overcrowded, in disrepair, unsafe, or too expensive?
4. Have you been employed with the same organization for at least six months?

5. Are you willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Talbot & Dorchester Counties to complete 400 hours of Sweat Equity for dual applicants or 300 hours of Sweat Equity for a single applicant, save $3,000 toward settlement, attend life skill seminars, and work openly and honestly with a Habitat volunteer sponsor?

What Is Sweat Equity?

Habitat for Humanity of Talbot & Dorchester Counties' program is centered on the partnership between volunteers and God's people in need.  Our affiliate requires that each dual applicant family earn 400 hours of sweat equity by serving the affiliate in various ways before going to settlement.  At least 200 of these hours must be earned by members of the family who will live in the house.  Once 100 hours is earned, a family may select a lot from our lot inventory.  A single applicant must earn 300 hours.  At least 100 of the hours must be earned by the partner.  Once 75 hours is earned, a partner may select his or her lot.  Office work, participation in life skill seminars, and other selected activities deemed appropriate may also count toward sweat equity.  Extended family members who will not live in the house, friends and a Habitat volunteer sponsor may also help partners to accrue sweat equity.  A volunteer sponsor also helps each family accumulate these hours and save $3,000 toward settlement.