Where Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity is building houses and how to apply
A 2019 study by Habitat for Humanity found that homeownership and community can impact a person’s health and well-being.
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity is making homeownership possible for families across Monroe County and beyond.
Since the Flower City Habitat for Humanity, Ontario County Habitat for Humanity, and Wayne County Habitat for Humanity affiliates merged in January, the new organization has expanded their services and outreach.
The current plan is to build:
- 11 houses in Rochester’s EMMA/Beechwood neighborhood
- two in Ontario County
- one in Wayne County
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity said it hopes to bring stability and comfort to families while giving them tools they need to grow economically.
Since joining the homebuyer program, Tammy Williams has been very excited to become a homeowner and recently discovered an interest in construction.
"I've already recommended it to other people. It's a thing where I won't have to worry about, you know, rent going up or eviction or bad neighbors. I won't have to worry about that anymore," said Williams.
According to a 2019 study completed by Habitat for Humaity, homeownership and community can impact a person’s health and well-being.
In the study, Renee Glover, former chair of Habitat for Humanity’s International board of directors states that homeownership provides people "feelings of stability and pride, as well as generating measurable results such as decreased doctor visits and increased high school graduation rates.”
In the city, the average high school student has a 71% chance of graduating and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of children live in poverty.
In 2018, Habitat for Humanity of Rochester commissioned a study and found that 98% of the children in Rochester that grow up in houses built by Habitat for Humanity graduate from high school. And in the JOSANA neighborhood, all 100 of Habitat homes are half of a mile or less away from local schools.
Now, with a new Critical Home Repair Program, the volunteer-based organization aims to help homeowners of Monroe County preserve their homes.
Interested in becoming a homeowner or volunteer? Here’s what you need to know:
How do I become a Habitat homeowner?
In order to qualify for the Homebuyer Program, applicants must show proof of:
- Ability to pay
Applicants must be able to maintain a steady source of income required for their household size and good credit. A credit report will be ran for qualification and monitored quarterly while applicants work toward becoming homeowners. Each home will also have an AMI (Area Median Income) requirement depending on the size of a person's household. - Demonstration of need
If any of these examples is applicable to your current housing situation, you may be eligible for the program:
• Substandard: Anything deteriorating or broken that may cause health or safety issues
• Cost burdened: Rental payments are 35% or more of your total income
• Overcrowded: If an adult and child, more than two children, or two children of the opposite sex share a bedroom. - Willingness to partner
An applicant’s willingness to partner is their commitment to providing consistent work toward buying and maintaining a home. Examples include the following:
• Homebuyers must complete at least 300 hours of sweat equity.
• Homebuyers must attend financial literacy and other required educational classes.
• Homebuyers must meet with your volunteer coach at least once per month.
• Homebuyers must provide proof of income and savings once a month.
• Homebuyers must save a minimum of $75 each month toward the $2,300 down payment and closing cost requirement.
• Homebuyers must make on time monthly home mortgage payments.
• Homebuyers must maintain and repair the home after occupancy.
The organization also wants applicants to know that this program is highly publicized and should be prepared to share their story with media and publications if requested. However, not all projects will be publicized since safety and privacy are a primary concern.
What if I don’t meet the requirements for the Homebuyer Program?
There is a Homeward Bound program for anyone who does not meet the requirements for the Homebuyer program. This programs is meant to help aspiring homeowners get on track to buying a home through educational classes, partnering with agencies and being paired with a homebuyer coach.
Anything completed during the Homeward Bound program can be applied to the Homebuyer Program’s requirements.
Learn more about the program at grhabitat.org/homeownership.
How do I get repairs for my home?
Applications for the Critical Home Repair program are currently closed.
Visit grhabitat.org/home-repair to learn more about the requirements and how to stay up to date.
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteers will be asked to participate in house construction, shed building, landscaping and more. Individuals or groups looking to volunteer do not need experience in building or construction in order to participate and can sign-up at give.grhabitat.org/volunteer_calendar
A parental permission form is required for volunteers younger than 18, and anyone under the age of 16 interested in volunteering can find opportunities at grhabitat.org/student-volunteering
To learn more about volunteering at GRHFH visit grhabitat.org/construction-volunteering
