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Habitat for Humanity
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Affordable Homeownership

Creating A Stronger Future

Affordable Homeownership

Creating A Stronger Future

  • Qualification Info
  • Application Process
  • FAQ

We Believe In You.

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 for you and your family that will last generations. We will work with you to learn the skills to become a successful homeowner. Becoming a homeowner is hard work but with some help from volunteers and donors, we can build a stronger future together.

“This house is a foundation.”
Qualification Info.

Question 1: Do you have a need for a home?

At least one of the following conditions must be true of your current housing and situation:

  • Unable to qualify for a mortgage through conventional financing
  • Inadequate conditions – unsafe, unhealthy, inadaptable for disabled persons, overcrowded,  etc.
  • Unstable or transitional situation – staying with family/friends, etc.
  • Cost-burdened – rent is more than 30% of monthly income
  • Additionally,  you may not have more than $35,000 in cash assets in checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks/bonds, and/or certificate of deposit accounts (retirement funds & designated college savings funds excluded) and you must be a United States citizen or United States permanent resident.

Question 2: Will you
partner with Habitat?

  • Complete application package and participate in the application process
  • Attend all required meetings, workshops, and classes
  • Perform required “Sweat Equity” volunteer hours
  • Accept available properties and home design plans
  • Maintain or improve financial standing during the duration of Homeownership Program
  • Participate in Homeowner Association (when applying for a Habitat condominium)
Qualification Info.

Question 3: Do you have the ability to pay for a home?

  • Total yearly income of applicant (and co-applicant if applicable) must be above the minimum income requirement and below 60% of the Area Median Income for your household size (see Income Chart)
  • At least 12 months of steady, stable income (all lawful sources of income counted)
  • Existing long-term (more than 10 months) monthly debt obligation must allow room in budget for a mortgage payment
  • Demonstrate reliability in paying rent, utilities, and other bills
  • Possess acceptable credit history with satisfactory payment of debts
  • Have the ability to save and pay a down payment of at least $1,500

Income Guidelines

Next Steps

We are not accepting applications at this time. We encourage you to check out our Accelerated Homeownership Program to see if you may qualify, or reach out to our partners to learn about other homeownership opportunities:

  • ICCF
  • Dwelling Place

If you are a veteran or an active military service member, please CLICK HERE to learn more about our Veterans Program.

What to Expect Through
the Application Process

What it takes to become a Habitat Homeowner

Preparing to own a Habitat home is a lot of hard work, but we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect.

The following process of three stages applies once applications are available.

Phase 1: Homeownership Application & Affordability Assessment

  • The applicant submits all required documents along with the completed homeownership application.
  • We will send verification forms to applicant’s landlord, employer, housing commission, etc., as applicable.
  • The entire application will undergo a careful review to ensure the applicant meets all of the Homebuyer Selection Criteria.
  • We will analyze an applicant’s income and credit report.
  • The applicant will be notified if the application is accepted for further processing or denied (this process may take up to 3 months).
  • Adhere to Habitat Kent’s privacy policy

Phase 2: Group Meeting

If your application passes the initial review, you will be invited to a group meeting where we will explain more about Habitat for Humanity, the available properties, and the rest of the review process.

Phase 3: Home Interview

  • During the home interview, our Family Selection Committee meets with the applicant to learn more about whether they qualify for the program. This committee recommends applicants who qualify for the Homeownership Program to our Board of Directors.
  • If the Board of Directors accepts the committee’s recommendation, the applicant will be in the final running for a Habitat Kent home.  At this final stage, applicants will be paired with homes according to their stated preferences, household size, and home availability.

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?
It’s time to work!

Volunteering a minimum of 200-500 sweat equity hours

Attending required home ownership classes and workshops

Saving $1,500 for a down payment

Partnering with Habitat Kent to build a stronger future for you and your family.

Applicant Frequently Asked Questions…

Does Habitat give away houses?

No, Habitat for Humanity does not give away houses. Qualified applicants purchase a home from Habitat Kent with an affordable mortgage, making monthly payments based on their income and expenses.

How much is a mortgage payment?

Habitat Kent homes are sold to homebuyers with an affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments are based on 22-28% of the partner’s gross income.

What if I don’t have 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.

Can Habitat homeowners sell their Habitat homes?

Habitat homeowners can sell their homes. However, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County has what’s called the right of first refusal. This means if homeowners decide to sell, they must first give Habitat Kent the opportunity to repurchase the home. If Habitat Kent chooses not to purchase the home, the homeowner is free to sell their home on the open market.

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 200-500 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 in Kent County, Eastern Ottawa County and Northern Allegan County.

Privacy Policy

All homeownership applicants must adhere to Habitat Kent’s Privacy Policy. 

Still have questions?  Call (616)588-5239. La lista de espera está llena. Si tiene preguntas llama (616)588-5239. 

A Home Can Change Lives

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

  • Main Office:

    425 Pleasant St. SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    (616) 774-2431

  • Main Office Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 10am – 2pm*

    *Visits at all other times are by appointment only.

  • ReStore South: Division

    5701 Division Ave S
    Wyoming, MI 49548
    (616) 531-4591

  • ReStore North: Alpine

    5920 Alpine Ave NW
    Comstock Park, MI 49321
    (616) 647-9292

  • ReStore Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • ReStore Donation Drop-Off Hours:

    **PLEASE NOTE: DONATION HOURS CURRENTLY VARY DUE TO STAFFING

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

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SAVE & ACCEPT

Interested in this house? Get a pre-qualification letter from a participating mortgage lender participating within our program requirements:

  • Mercantile Bank, Staci Nichols
  • Choice One Bank, Bonnie Potter
  • Mortgage 1, Dan Grzywacz , or
  • Click here to see a list of MHSDA-approved lenders

Veteran Homeownership Application Request

Home Repair Wait List

Group Interest Survey

  • Habitat for Humanity of Kent County provides a variety of volunteer opportunities which can vary depending on the group size, age restrictions, season and general availability. Construction opportunities are full day commitments. Should you prefer a partial day activity or volunteers to work in shifts you will be scheduled for specific tasks or in one of our 3 ReStore locations.
  • Age restrictions apply to certain projects and will be enforced. Most tasks require volunteers to be at least 16 years old. Specific jobs may allow other ages. These restrictions will be indicated by a member of the volunteer services department when a date is offered.
  • Please acknowledge that you understand groups may not be confirmed until 30-60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE AGREED UPON by our volunteer services department. Due to the volume of requests for volunteer opportunities, we will ask that you agree/disagree to the date we offer within a week’s time (unless otherwise noted in our email). This ensures we can look for an alternative date if necessary and place you within a timely fashion.
  • After the completed form is submitted expect to be contacted by a member of our volunteer services department within one week.