Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County is seeking homeowners for two new properties.
Construction is underway for a new Habitat home in Bellefonte Borough, while work on a Philipsburg Borough home is scheduled to begin this summer. Partner homeowners will work alongside Habitat volunteers and skilled tradespersons to see their project to completion.
“The mission of HFHGCC is to facilitate ownership of simple but decent and affordable homes for local families who find themselves priced out of the market by the spiral of escalating prices and/or limited income that denies them access to traditional mortgage sources,” according to a news release.
Family composition does not factor into the qualification process, but potential Habitat homeowners must meet three criteria:
– They must be facing a pressing need to improve their living conditions, such as having too many family members for the size of their current housing, poor insulation or other issues that significantly impair quality of life.
– The applicant must demonstrate a reasonable sense of responsibility for meeting current financial obligations, such as rent, as well as verify adequate income to keep up with affordable monthly payments.
– Households must commit to investing 350 hours of labor to Habitat for Humanity through construction, the ReStore or administrative activities. The applicant must perform 250 hours, but friends and others can help complete the remaining 100 hours. “Sweat equity” can be earned through construction work but also through other ways such as volunteering at fundraising events and other activities. Any appropriately aged family member, friend or relative can contribute time.
“Habitat’s proven formula for home affordability is based on three key factors: first, by keeping land acquisition and construction costs low; second, by the use of wonderful volunteers who help to build the home; and third, by providing interest-free mortgages,” Stephanie Fost, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, said in a statement.
For information or to request an application package call (814) 353-2390 or email
office@habitatgcc.org. Applicants should specify if they are interested in applying for the Bellefonte or Philipsburg home.
Since it was established in 1983, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County has helped more than 70 local families become homeowners.
According to the nonprofit organization, Habitat acquires building lots by donation or at a significantly discounted price. Volunteers, including the partner homeowner, provide construction labor, under the skilled supervision of qualified professionals. Local vendors and tradespeople donate or offer discounted prices for supplies, materials and specialized labor.
Local corporate and individual donors also subsidize the process.
Once construction is completed, Habitat is the lender for a zero-interest mortgage at a reasonable term that best suits the financial strength of the applicant. Mortgage payments for a Habitat partner family can be as low as half what they would normally be for a conventional mortgage, according to the organization.
“We’re not just about bricks or mortar, hammer and nails,” Fost said.. “We’re really all about making people’s dreams come true. These homes are an exceptionally special opportunity for a community member who never thought they could afford to own a home in any of the communities we serve.”
