Homeownership
Homeownership is within reach!
Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County makes homeownership possible for low-income households. We offer affordable mortgage loans to purchase homes built or renovated by Habitat.
How to Qualify
In the selection process, Morgan County Habitat for Humanity addresses three main criteria: current living conditions, ability to afford the costs of a new home, and a willingness to partner with Habitat. MORE INFORMATION
Build Locations
Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County has two subdivisions, one in Decatur and one in Hartselle. SEE THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Other Resources
These other local housing assistance programs may be able to help you in case you don’t qualify for our program or if you need immediate housing assistance. MORE INFORMATION
Home Ownership is Within Reach
Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County makes homeownership possible for low-income households, offering affordable mortgage loans with 0% interest to purchase homes built or renovated by Habitat.
Habitat homes are not free! Monthly payments will not exceed 30% of gross monthly income at the time of purchase. Payments include principal on the mortgage loan (the actual “house payment”), property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, termite protection, and servicing fees. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their homes.
Habitat is a long-term homeownership program and is NOT able to provide emergency housing. From applying to owning a home takes approximately 12 – 24 months.
In order to qualify for the Habitat program, you must:
- Live in Morgan County
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
- Demonstrate that you have a housing need
- Display that you can afford homeownership and monthly mortgage payments
- Have a desire to be a Habitat partner and help build your house
The process to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner can span 12 – 24 months and requires that you make the commitment to pay a portion of closing costs and an affordable mortgage.
How to Qualify
Need
You must have a need for adequate housing. Here are some examples of need:
- Your housing expenses are more than 30% of your income.
- Your house is in poor condition.
- You are living with family or friends.
- You live in Section 8 or Housing Authority housing.
- Your house is overcrowded.
Ability to Pay
Since you will be buying your home from Habitat, you must show that you have an ability to pay for the home.
- Total yearly income must fall within Habitat’s income guidelines (see below).
- You must have a source of steady income which may include wages from a job, SSI, Social Security, child support, public assistance, or alimony.
- We obtain credit reports on our applicants. Court-ordered judgments or liens must be paid. Bankruptcies must be discharged (if Chapter 7) or within 1 year of discharge (if Chapter 13).
Willingness to Partner:
If your application is approved, you can become a partner with Habitat.
- Partners must complete volunteer work, including construction assistance, painting, landscaping, and working in our Habitat ReStore.
- Partners will be expected to attend homeowner education classes, including budgeting, buying a home, lawn care, home maintenance, and a variety of other topics.
- Partners will be responsible for home maintenance and repair after they move in.
| Habitat Income Guidelines* | ||
| Family Size | Min MONTHLY Income** | Max MONTHLY Income† |
| One | $2,500 | $2,875 |
| Two | $2,500 | $3,285 |
| Three | $2,500 | $3,695 |
| Four | $2,500 | $4,105 |
| Five | $2,587 | $4,435 |
| Six | $2,780 | $4,765 |
| Seven | $2,972 | $5,095 |
| Eight | $3,162 | $5,420 |
* These numbers are subject to change without notice.
** Minimum MONTHLY Income (gross income, before taxes)
† Maximum MONTHLY Income (gross income, before taxes)
Other Resources
If you or your family needs emergency housing, Morgan County HFH suggests that you contact these local assistance programs for more immediate help:
Decatur Housing Authority (Low-income Housing)
100 Wilson St. NE
P.O. Box 878
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 353-4691
Fax: (256) 353-4962
Hartselle Housing Authority (Low-income Housing)
616 Adelle Street SW
P.O. Box 1165
Hartselle, AL 35640
Phone: (256) 773-5481
Fax: (256) 773-3925
Community Action Partnership (Energy Assistance, Weatherization)
1909 Central Parkway SW
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-7843
Fax: (256) 355-7953
Salvation Army (Financial Aid, Temporary Housing)
114 14th St. SW
P.O. Box 807
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: (256) 353-2822
Fax: (256) 353-1281
Volunteer Center of Morgan County (Wheelchair Ramps)
708 6th Ave. SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-8628
Fax: (256) 355-872
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