Families applying to become part of the Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) program must meet three criteria: Need. Ability to pay. Willingness to partner with Habitat CFC.

Need

The most important reason for selecting a family for a Habitat home is their need for better living conditions.  For example, if the applicant lives in an apartment without proper heat or plumbing, we consider that poor living conditions.  Also, peeling paint, insects, rats or mice in the present home show the applicant’s need for better housing.  Housing is also considered substandard or poor if it is overcrowded (for example, children of opposite sex sharing a bedroom) or the rent is too high for the family’s income (for example, if rent payments are so high families do not have enough money left to feed or dress their children properly).  During the home visit, two Habitat CFC Family Services Committee (FSC) members will evaluate actual living conditions and discuss living conditions noted on the application.

Ability to pay

To be selected for a Habitat house, a family should have enough income to pay the taxes, utilities, insurance and upkeep costs as well as the no-interest mortgage payments.  Families who earn enough to qualify for a conventional home loan (mortgage) from a bank are not qualified for a Habitat house. The minimum and maximum a household can earn to qualify for the Habitat program is 35 to 60 per cent of the area median income, depending upon family size.  For 2011*, the minimum and maximum income allowed is as follows:

Median Income for Bridgeport:

Median Income for Stamford:

*updated annually from HUD report

*35% – 60% is our standard policy but certain government programs, if applicable, may reduce the maximum to 50%

Debt to income ratio: A family can be considered to be within our guidelines if their total debt payment (excluding projected house payment to Habitat CFC) does not prohibit them from paying for childcare, food, clothing, transportation, and utilities. Debt payments each month (including projected house payment to Habitat CFC) ideally should not exceed 31% of the family’s monthly income.  However, if the family demonstrates the ability to consistently meet rent payments substantially higher than the projected monthly payment to Habitat, they can still be considered within our guidelines.

Monthly payment consistency:  Families must demonstrate the ability to make regular monthly payments for rent, utilities, and other credit obligations. Habitat CFC obtains credit reports for all adults in the family.  If a credit report reveals an outstanding debt (such as student loan or child support delinquency), they must demonstrate an intention to repay the debt by providing a documented plan approved by the creditor.  A family should not have declared bankruptcy within three years of the application date.

Documentation is required to prove ability to pay.

Willingness to partner with Habitat CFC

Families must demonstrate willingness to partner and ability to complete the sweat equity commitment before the closing for the house, except in instances agreed to by the Executive Director, the Director of Families Services, and the Chair of the Family Selection Committee.  Willingness to partner includes filling out the application, providing necessary documentation, readily engaging in the home interview and the desire to live in the neighborhoods where Habitat is working.  Families must also sign and agree to the conditions explained in Habitat CFC’s Letter of Notification and Acceptance.