Skagit Habitat for Humanity is not currently accepting applications.  When we are next actively seeking applicants, you will see it here on our website, in local newspapers, and hear about it on local radio stations.   The following article appeared in the Argus weekly paper on May 17, 2011   WHO GETS A SKAGIT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME? Lots of people ask, “How do I get a Habitat for Humanity house?”  While there are general guidelines from HFH International, each local affiliate makes adjustments to best meet the needs of the service area.  In Skagit HFH’s case, that is all of Skagit County.  The process begins with learning about the program.  There are so many misconceptions, such as the one that houses are free and are readily available to move into. Skagit HFH seeks eligible applicants whenever the affiliate is gearing up to build one or more new houses.  We do not accept applications until that time, and advertise in the papers, on radio, in church bulletins, and on the affiliate website when we are ready.  Interested parties must then attend an orientation presentation, during which they learn more about the requirements leading to selection as a SHFH Partner Family.  (Those requirements are listed on the website.)  Perhaps the most significant ones: Applicants must have lived in Skagit County for at least one year They must have income of between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI)—that is about $18,000 to $34,000 in 2011 for a family of four They must have legal documentation to be in the U.S. They must pass a credit check a criminal background either live in inadequate or substandard housing or pay in excess of 50% of their income towards rent.  Applications are given out at the end of the orientation. Once the applications are in by the stated deadline, a committee of Habitat volunteers pores over them for the most eligible applicants.  “Need” is a strong consideration, but is balanced with other criteria.  Applicants are interviewed in their current home, and references are checked.  When all this is done, the committee makes a recommendation to the SHFH board of directors, and a number of Partner Families are identified and notified.  SHFH does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religious affiliation, marital status, family status, orientation, source of income, or physical limitations.  In the end, the goal is to help provide safe, decent, affordable housing in partnership with the future homeowner. SHFH’s goal is to be building on three houses at any time in the year.  In Spring 2011, two new Partner Families were chosen out of 19 applicants.   * * * * * *   Applicant families for the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program will be selected based on the following criteria: To be eligible, the applicant family must have established residency in Skagit County, WA for at least one year prior to application. The applicant family must currently live in inadequate or substandard housing, or must be paying fifty percent (50%) or more of its income towards rent. Because subsidized housing is generally affordable and adequate, families already in these programs are still eligible for Habitat, but may be given a lower priority for consideration. Families interested in applying for a SHFH home begin by attending one of our orientation sessions. These will be scheduled on an irregular basis to coincide with upcoming new construction. Applications will be completed as part of this orientation session. If chosen to receive a home through Habitat, the family must contribute a minimum of five hundred (500) hours of "sweat equity" labor on its home or the homes of other families. Family and friends are able to provide some of this sweat equity, and considerations will be given to those with physical disabilities so that they can complete their sweat equity hours. Once their home is completed, the family must pay back a zero-interest mortgage to Habitat. A typical mortgage payment is somewhere between $500 and $700 per month, and no mortgage will be more than thirty percent (30%) of a family's monthly income. The applicant family must fall within the maximum and minimum income guidelines established by Habitat, which are based on the number of people in the family. Habitat does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religious affiliation, orientation, source of income, marital or familial status, or physical limitations. For a chart of our income requirements, or to be placed on the applicant list, please contact Wayne Wegner at Wayne@SkagitHabitat.com with the following information: Name Mailing Address Phone Number Email address