Do you need critical repairs on your home? At Habitat Kent we believe it is a basic human right that everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. We want to help you build a better life and create a strong future. Side by side we will help you make critical repairs to your home. We subsidize part of the cost of repairs and then, whenever possible, work with you on an affordable payment plan for the remaining amount.
Habitat Kent partners with homeowners to repair their homes in these four Grand Rapids neighborhoods.
Click here to see if your home falls within the boundary.
Must meet all conditions.
Must meet all conditions.
Must meet all conditions.
Note: Habitat for Humanity of Kent County approves repair projects based on critical repair assessments, health & safety needs, budgetary constraints, and location. We reserve the right to decline any potential project that does not fit our stated goals.
to repair your home with Habitat Kent
If you meet all of the requirements you are well on your way to repairing your home. But first…
Repair Program Boundary
Due to funding restraints, Habitat Kent is only conducting repairs in Grand Rapids’ west side neighborhoods (veterans excluded from the geographical boundary).
Click here to see if your home falls within the boundary.
Don’t think you qualify or not sure if you qualify? We can still help.
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, we may be able to refer you to another organization.
Call: (616) 588-5235
What does it take to repair your home with Habitat Kent?
Repairing your home with Habitat Kent is a lot of hard work, but we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Here’s what to expect:
Phase 1: Application
Phase 2: Home Assessments
Phase 3: Approval and Partner Meeting
Phase 4: Construction and Payment
Habitat for Humanity supports equal housing opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful source of income.
Does Habitat give away houses?
No, Habitat for Humanity does not give away houses. Qualified applicants purchase a home from Habitat with a no-interest mortgage, making affordable monthly payments based on their income and expenses.
How much is a mortgage payment?
Habitat homes are sold to Habitat Partners with a no-interest mortgage. Mortgage payments are based on 22-28% of the partner’s gross income.
How do I qualify for a Habitat home?
Habitat Partners must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents and cannot already own a home. Additionally, homebuyers have to meet the following selection criteria:
Do applicants need good credit?
Part of the application process involves pulling a credit history report. The main consideration is whether an applicant is making consistent payments on their debt. Existing long-term debt should be no more than 38% of an applicant’s gross monthly income. Bankruptcies appearing on credit reports must be discharged in order to be eligible for our homeownership program.
What is the application process like?
Applicants must request an application packet from us by calling (616) 588-5235 or emailing homeownership@habitatkent.org. The packet includes an application checklist that lists all the documents needed to apply for the program.
PHASE 1: Homeownership Application & Affordability Assessment
PHASE 2: Application Meeting
PHASE 3: Property Presentation
Habitat for Humanity supports equal housing opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful source of income.
Once accepted into the program, what’s next?
Approved applicants, known as Habitat Partners, show their dedication to homeownership by completing the following requirements:
It can take up to 18 months to complete the program requirements and move into a Habitat home.
What is Sweat Equity?
The term refers to the hands-on involvement of prospective homeowners in the construction of their homes, as well as in other Habitat and community activities. At Habitat Kent, Habitat Partners are required to complete 300-500 Sweat Equity hours, based on the number of mortgage applicants and adults in the household.
How does Habitat Kent determine home size?
Our homes range from 2 to 5 bedrooms depending on the size of the Habitat Partner’s household.
Where does Habitat Kent build homes?
We build homes mostly in Greater Grand Rapids, but have some in other areas of Kent County, Eastern Ottawa County and Northern Allegan County.
Can Habitat homeowners sell their Habitat homes?
Habitat homeowners can sell their homes; however, Habitat for Humanity has a right of first refusal, meaning homes must first be offered back to Habitat for purchase. Habitat will either purchase it or refuse it. Refusal allows Habitat homeowners to put their home on the market by conventional means.
