home ownership
Manitowoc County Habitat for Humanity builds, and occasionally renovates, simple, decent, affordable homes for qualified low-income families. Habitat houses are modestly-sized by North American standards. Most homes are ranch-style, average 1000 square feet and have 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, an unfinished basement, a garage and no air conditioning.
We do not give houses away for free, but instead provide affordable 0% interest mortgages to families that qualify. In return, partner families must spend “sweat equity” hours helping to build their home and volunteering with Habitat, provide a down payment, make monthly mortgage payments and maintain their home once it is complete.
Homes are made affordable due to the volunteer labor used to build the home, the generous donations of individuals and sponsors and the 0% interest mortgage provided by Habitat. Our partnering families benefit from decent, affordable housing while our communities benefit from the redevelopment of neighborhoods and an increase in tax revenue.
Ask a child who lives in a Habitat for Humanity home what their favorite part is and you'll get answers as varied as the children themselves: their room, the yard where they can play, the walls without holes or mold.
Ask their parents and you'll hear a different answer: the stability they now feel, the financial freedom to make investments in their children's future, the satisfaction of knowing they have built a home of their very own.
program qualifications
income eligibility
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Total family income must fall between 30% to 60% of Manitowoc County's median income. View HUD Income Levels.
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Total family income includes employment income, child support, alimony/spousal support, social security, SSI, SSI for a child under 18, disability, and unemployment for all adults living in the house.
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Make sure that your family size includes your entire household (adults, children, and yourself) who would live in the house.
demonstrated need
Examples of demonstrated need include:
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Spending too much of the family income on housing.
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Structural/mechanical problems in building.
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Inadequate sleeping arrangements.
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Unsanitary conditions or health risks.
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Temporary or transitional housing, including living with other family members or friends.
ability to pay
This is determined during the application process. Applicants must have:
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A steady, reliable source of income and demonstrated financial responsibility.
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The ability to pay a down payment of $600 and a monthly mortgage of approximately $500 per month which includes property tax and insurance.
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The ability to pay projected monthly utilities (electric/gas & water/sewer).
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NOT have filed for bankruptcy within the past 2 years.
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NOT have outstanding collections, liens or judgments that cannot reasonably be paid by the completion of the home build.
willingness to partner
A partner family must be willing to complete "sweat-equity" hours. "Sweat-equity" is when a partner family takes part in building their own home and may include other approved volunteer activities with Habitat.
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A two-adult household is required to perform a minimum of 350 hours.
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All of the hours must be completed before the partner family can purchase the home.
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The partner family must also be willing to attend budgeting, home maintenance and home ownership workshops.
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Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and be committed to a drug-free community.
what's the next step?
If you believe you may qualify for a Manitowoc County Habitat home, your next step will be to complete and submit an application and supporting documentation. Interested in becoming a Habitat Homeowner?
our most recent projects
our current build projects
We have completed our most recent build project.
We simply cannot adequately express our gratitude to all of the volunteers, sponsors and donors who made it possible. THANK YOU!
Our next build project will begin in 2019. If you would like to be considered as our 2019 partner family, please complete and submit your application today.
We also have external home repair projects underway. If you would like to learn more about our Home Repair program or to see if you qualify, please visit our Home Repair page.
Non-Proselytizing Policy
Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations (HFH) will not proselytize. Nor will HFH work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with HFH. This means that HFH will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.