Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington provides affordable homeownership opportunities for eligible families in the region. This program is designed for individuals who are ready for the responsibilities of homeownership and meet specific criteria.
Minimum Requirements
- Potential applicants must meet one of the following requirements for at least 1 year prior to applying:
- Reside in Guelph Wellington.
- Be employed full-time within Guelph Wellington.
- Reside or be employed full-time within 50km of the considered build project.
- All applicants or co-applicants must be Canadian citizens or Permanent residents
- At least one applicant or co-applicant must be employed full time or full time equivalent
- At least one applicant or co-applicant(s) must have at least 3 years of employment history in Canada
- Preference will be given to first-time homebuyers in Ontario
- Applicant and co-applicant(s) cannot afford to purchase a home through the conventional market
- No recent bankruptcies and no recent consumer proposals (must be discharged at least 2 years ago)
- Currently live in unsafe, unsuitable, and/or unaffordable living conditions
- Willing to partner with HFH GW
Ability to Pay a Mortgage
Families need to demonstrate their ability to pay an affordable mortgage and sound financial management including:
- Stable employment income
- Responsible debt management
- Fair or better credit report on Equifax Credit report
- Primary source of household income must be employment income. Supplementary sources of income (Child Tax Benefit, Employment Insurance, Child Support, etc.), will not be included in household income.
- The household gross income must fit within our income limits: $64,500-$130,000
- Applicants and co-applicants will be asked to submit several documents to support their financial status, including but not limited to current employment proof, debt statements, a current credit report, and asset statements
Need for Affordable Housing
In addition to the minimum requirements, families are also considered for a Habitat home if:
- Current living conditions are unsafe or unhealthy (e.g., inadequate structure, unsafe wiring, heating, air quality, water, poor sanitization, etc.).
- Current living conditions are unsuitable (e.g., overcrowded, inaccessible, etc.).
- Current housing costs are too high (e.g.: basic shelter costs are more than 30% of total household income)
- They are unable to afford homeownership through other conventional means
Willingness to Partner
Each family approved for Habitat Homeownership becomes a partner in our work. Habitat families are our greatest ambassadors, and as such are asked to help with a variety of initiatives that advance our mission and support our community
Each selected family will be asked to fulfill the following partnership requirements.
- Contribute up to 500 volunteer hours towards the construction of homes or a variety of other Habitat projects and community partnerships
- Commit to a homeownership and mortgage agreement with Habitat for Humanity GW
- Participate in homeowner education training and workshops
- Be an ambassador for Habitat for Humanity GW and represent the mission – this involved (1) understanding and agreeing with our model (2) speaking about your experience with HFH GW at events, media interviews and/or in videos to help promote our organization’s work to the public