Applying to the Program

      Chatham Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry funded by private individual donations and grants, and utilizing volunteer labor. Our purpose is to build homes with families and sell the houses at no profit and no interest to families who could not otherwise buy a home.

There are three main criteria to qualify for a Chatham Habitat for Humanity home:

1. Need

2. Ability to Pay

3. Willingness to Partner

      Once you read about how to qualify, you can click here to download an application. You can mail your completed application to PO Box 883, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Or you can come by our office at 467 West Street, 1/2 mile west of the traffic circle in Pittsboro and get help filling one out in person. Directions to our office here.


1. Need

A.	You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate. Housing need may include problems with the present structure: water, electrical or sewage service systems; heating systems; or other unsafe conditions. Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the sex of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your home.
B.	The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat interviewer.
C.	You must currently live/work in Chatham County.
D.	You and your family will be considered if your total income is not over 50% of the Chatham County median family income. For example:
	Family Size Gross Annual Income One $12,475 - $24,950 Two $14,250 - $28,500 Three $16,050 - $32,100 Four $17,825 - $35,650 Five $19,250 - $38,500 Six $20,675 - $41,350 Seven $22,100 - $44,200 These income guidelines are subject to change annually based on HUD’s new income guidelines.

2. Ability to Pay

Since you will actually be buying your home from Chatham Habitat for Humanity, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will be approximately between 20-30% of your income and will include not only the mortgage payment, but the payment for real estate taxes and insurance, and averages about $360-$550 per month. We will help you to determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility.





3. Willingness to Partner

When selected, you become a “partner family” in the Habitat program. To become a “partner family,” you must complete 25 hours of volunteer work with Chatham Habitat, which will count toward your total “sweat equity” contribution to be completed before becoming a homeowner. Your assistance in the construction of your home and the homes of others is called “sweat equity,” and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, providing food for volunteers, helping with presentations at churches and other organizations and attending Habitat events. As a partner family, you must complete 350 hours of sweat equity. Part of the 350 hours can be done by including your friends and family in building your new home. You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of your house from the time you move into your home. After moving into your home, the Family Support Committee will maintain an ongoing relationship with you. This includes referrals for budget counseling and home care education.