To Qualify for Our Program
There are three main criteria for involvement in Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program.

1. Need: Applicants must have a need for adequate housing. Examples of need include living: in an unsafe neighborhood, in a place that is not properly maintained by the landlord, in an overcrowded situation, and/or in a place where rent is more than 50% of your income.
    
2. Income Eligibility: Applicants must have a take-home income (after taxes) that is between 25% and 50% of the median income for Baltimore City (see Income Eligibility table below). This can include long term benefits (those that will last at least 3 years), such as disability, child support, and food stamps.

   In addition, an applicant must:
   - have uninterrupted employment for at least one year,
   - not have declared bankruptcy in the last 2 years,
   - be clear of, or working toward clearing, judgements or liens,
   - and may NOT own another home.
    

3. Willingness to Partner: Building a Habitat home requires both the affiliate and the applicant to work together in partnership towards the goal of homeownership. Here are some examples of ways to show "willingness to partner":
   
   • You and the members of your household at least 16 years old must complete a total of 350 hours of sweat equity. Sweat equity means you will be on the construction site working with staff and volunteers to hammer, saw, and paint Chesapeake Habitat houses! Each household is required to complete a minimum of 14 sweat equity hours per month.
   • Complete and return your application for housing on time (within no more than a year of attending orientation).
     
   • Attend all of your scheduled appointments on time.

More about our Income Guidelines
Habitat for Humanity International's guidelines state that we should sell homes to those who earn between 30% and 60% of the median income for the Baltimore metropolitan region.

The Income Eligibility Table (below) was calculated using figures given to Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The table reflects net adjusted, or "take home," income. The Family Selection Committee uses this table as a guide and does take individual circumstances into consideration when making decisions. These figures are effective for applicants receiving an application as of February 2005 or later.