Applications Now Being Accepted for New Habitat Homeownership Opportunities– Info Meetings Scheduled
Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (HFHNCI) is now accepting applications from area residents interested in becoming homeowners. Habitat’s mission is to provide quality, affordable housing to those in need. Area residents who have an interest in owning their own home, but need a little help to do so, are encouraged to contact the Habitat office soon to begin the application process.
Habitat takes a variety of measures to make sure the houses are affordable to the homeowners. Typical house payments, including insurance and taxes, range between $450-$600 per month through 0% interest loans. Habitat houses are also energy-efficient, which result in affordable utility bills. Applicants do not need to have good credit to be approved for a Habitat house – but they do have to apply, demonstrate an ability to make regular payments, and be willing to work with Habitat towards the ownership of their own home.
Homeowner Application Orientation meetings will be held at the Habitat office, 517 First St NW in Mason City, on Saturday, February 2nd from 10:00-11:30 AM and on Thursday, February 7th from 6:00-7:30 PM. At these meetings, we will discuss Habitat’s program and review the application. Anyone interested in attending one of these no-obligation information meetings should call the Habitat office at to reserve space.
Qualifying applicants must have an income that is between 30-60% of the area median income range, have the ability to make monthly payments, and be willing to contribute “sweat equity” hours on construction projects, assisting in the ReStore and with other Habitat projects. Potential homeowners will be required to take classes on home maintenance, budgeting skills, and other topics to help ease the transition into homeownership.
In addition to the homeownership program, Habitat also runs a Home Repair Program to assist low-income homeowners with needed health and safety improvements, weatherization work, and neighborhood enhancements. HFHNCI also installs modular ramps to allow for better access into homes where the residents have mobility limitations.
For more information on any of these programs, or to support the Habitat efforts as a volunteer or donor, call the Habitat office at 641-424-8978 or visit the website at www.habitatnci.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa
Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit ecumenical, Christian housing ministry that utilizes volunteer labor and donations to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income families throughout the region. The homeowners pay for their homes or home repairs through 0% interest mortgages with low monthly payments. Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (HFHNCI) also operates a ReStore, a home improvement discount outlet selling new and gently used merchandise to the public in which the proceeds support the home builds. 517 1st Street NW, Mason City, Iowa 50401, 641-424-8978, www.habitatnci.org Serving: Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Winnebago, Worth and Wright counties
