Habitat for Humanity provides the opportunity for home ownership to families who, due to income level, wouldn’t qualify for a mortgage with a lending institution. Families in need of decent, affordable homes may apply. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. Manitowoc County Habitat for Humanity has a non-discriminatory review policy. Race, religion, sex, age, marital status and physical disabilities are not factors influencing the choice of a partner family.

Final selection is based on several criteria:

• Level of Need:  Each family must exhibit a level of need based on income as compared to federal poverty guidelines as well as local earning levels. Adequacy of present housing is also taken into consideration.  The total family income needs to fall between the 30% and 50% median income for Manitowoc County.  Click here to view the HUD Income level summary for Manitowoc County.
• Willingness to Partner:   Each family must be willing to participate in the Habitat program and meet all program requirements. This includes providing 350 hours of sweat equity prior to occupancy and participating in programs to learn and practice budgeting, home repairs and maintenance.
• Ability to Pay:  Each family is required to make a $600 down payment and make monthly mortgage payments on the no-interest home loan which is held by Manitowoc County Habitat for Humanity. Families should not have filed for bankruptcy within the last 2 years and should not be carrying a large amount of credit card debt or have delinquent bills.
• Citizenship and Residency:  Family members must be U.S. Citizens and residents of Manitowoc County for the past year.

Houses are modestly sized – large enough to meet the families’ needs, yet small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs at a minimum. Most Habitat homes average 1000 square feet and have 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, no basement, no garage and no air conditioning. A small shed is provided.

Completed homes are sold at no profit to selected partner families. No-interest mortgages typically have 20 to 25 year terms and the low monthly mortgage payments include homeowner's insurance and real estate taxes. Mortgage payments made by Habitat homeowners are placed into a fund used to build even more new homes for families in need.

If you or a family you know is in need of decent, affordable housing, please call our office at (920) 683-8466 for more information about the process of applying for Habitat home ownership.

1. Complete an Application for Housing form.
2. Sign an Authorization Form for financial and background checks. A signed form is needed for the applicant, co-applicant and for every member of the household for whom any source of income is listed.
3. Return the Application Form and Authorization Form along with the following information:
   • Copies of the last three paycheck stubs for all persons over the age of 18 who are employed in the household.
   • A copy of the award letter for each of the following income sources if applicable: Child support, SSI, AFDC, Social Security.
   • Caseworker's name and telephone number, if applicable.
   • The name, address and phone number of your current and previous landlords.
   • Your most recent bank statements.
   • Your most recent statemnets for all loans and any credit cards.
   • Your most recent federal income filings.