Building a better future...

At Habitat for Humanity, when we think of home, we think about the opportunity to build a better future.
We know that affordable homeownership is so much more than shelter. Our program offers a hand-up, not a hand out, and we accomplish that through partnership with our homeowner families, sponsors, and volunteers.
 
With the support of our donors and volunteers, we
  • build high-quality new homes
  • sell them at an affordable price to qualified families
  • charge zero-interest on our mortgages

Application Process

Every Habitat homeowner’s journey starts the same way – at the Habitat Application meeting. Sign up and learn more about becoming a Habitat homeowner, as well as the requirements and qualifications needed. Meetings are held several times throughout the year and are held in person. Prospective applicants can also request a link to a recording of the informational meeting. After attending a meeting, applications are accepted for a limited time.

Our next application cycle is opening soon! Space is limited and you must call to sign up to attend one of the information sessions.

Applicants who live in the City of Lynchburg can attend classes:

  • Tuesday, October 20th at 6pm OR Wednesday, October 21st at 10am
  • GLHFH Office located at 360 Alleghany Ave  Lynchburg 24501
  • Call (434) 528-3774 to sign up

Applicants who live in the Town of Bedford and wish to apply for a home in the Town of Bedford can attend:

  • Tuesday, October 20th at 10am OR Wednesday, October 21st at 6pm
  • GLFHF- Bedford Office located at Main Street UMC (Lower Level Room 5)  212 E. Main St.  Bedford, VA 24523
  • Call (540) 266-8312 to sign up

Qualified applicants must demonstrate a need, have the ability to pay, and be willing to partner with Habitat throughout the process. Current income guidelines are listed below. You can read more about our criteria for selection below. After reviewing the applications, qualified applicants proceed to the next round where our Family Services Committee makes a final selection based on those criteria. 

For more information, please contact our Family Services Director, Jameisha Carter, at 434-528-3774 or jcarter@glhfh.org

 

1) NEED

Families will be considered for a Habitat for Humanity house if their present housing is not adequate (i.e. unaffordable, unsafe or unhealthy, too crowded, etc.), and if they are unable to obtain adequate housing through conventional means.

We also consider the percentage of the family’s monthly income that is currently spent on housing. Families are required to be open and transparent, and must completely disclose their financial situation with the Family Services Manager.

2) ABILITY TO PAY

Since families purchase their home from Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity, they must demonstrate their ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. The best qualified applicants will have a credit score of at least 620 and a total debt-to-income ratio of less than 32%. A Habitat “house payment” includes principal (what was borrowed from Habitat), plus real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. See current HUD income guidelines below.

First, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do I have enough income based on Habitat’s guidelines to pay the modest house payment for the 20 to 30 year payment period?
  2. Are my expenses, in addition to a potential house payment, manageable within my income?
  3. Is my credit in reasonable shape (620 or above)?

All applicants must have an acceptable credit history and minimal outstanding debt. Bankruptcy, foreclosure, judgments and collections, unpaid medical bills, and outstanding student loans are considered when analyzing your credit.

3) WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER

If selected, you will become a Partner with Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity (GLHFH). To complete the program and purchase your home, you must complete 200 to 300 hours of volunteer work, or “sweat equity.”

Sweat equity will include working on the construction site, helping in the ReStore, attending GLHFH events, and taking classes to prepare you to be a successful homeowner. Members of the community, friends, and family may assist you in completing up to 75 hours.

To maintain status as a Partner Family, you must keep your credit in good condition, not take on any other debts, and periodically provide proof of income. The Family Services Manager and your Family Advocate (assigned to you by the Family Services Committee) will assist in you being successful as a Partner Family.

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