Directors Message

Family Qualification & Selection

All prospective Habitat Partner Families must meet our minimum qualifications and participate in a multi-tiered approval process. Get started right here by browsing our qualifications to see if a partnership with Habitat might be right for you. Scroll down to see which communities have homes available for applications. You can also call us to schedule an in-person meeting with an advisor who can guide you through the process.
 

Ability to pay:

• You have proof of at least 1 year of steady, verifiable, annual income. 

• You do not have any judgments or liens against you. 

• You do not have excessive debt or multiple accounts in collection.

• You pay your rent on time

Need:

• You do not already own a home. 

• You are currently living in substandard housing, which would include any of the following conditions:

     - Home is in poor physical condition. 

     - Home is overcrowded.

     - Rent is subsidized. 

     - Rent is more than 30% of income. 

• Your household gross income is between 35% and 80% of the area median income.

Income Eligibility (effective 05/2023)

Annual Gross Income Guidelines for Consideration of HFHCC Partnership of Homeownership (subject to change without notice)

Willingness to partner with habitat

• Contribute a minimum of 350 hours of sweat equity hours.

• Attend Habitat homeowner training classes. 

• Pay $2,000 towards closing costs. 

Sweat Equity

Sweat equity is the single most important strategy Habitat uses to empower future homeowner families (partner families) and one of the features that sets us apart from other affordable housing providers.

Habitat uses the term “sweat equity” to refer to the hours of labor our homeowners dedicate to building their homes and the homes of their neighbors, as well as the time they spend investing in their own self-improvement. Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County partner families begin their sweat equity after being accepted into the program, and they must complete a minimum of 350 hours before they can move into their homes.

Sweat equity reduces the amount of paid labor needed for a house, which in turn helps reduce cost. Additionally, time spent building their own homes instills a sense of pride and ownership, teaching the basic building and house-maintenance skills that are necessary for home ownership.

Most importantly, by going beyond a mere financial investment in their property and performing sweat equity alongside other volunteers and neighbors, Habitat homeowners gain a greater sense of self-worth and become more personally invested in their community.

Now Accepting Applications for Habitat of Citrus Springs!!

How to Apply

1. First step toward homeownership is by reviewing the Homeowner Orientation online by following the Orientation tab at the top of this page.

2. If you feel that you meet the criteria of our program guidelines or have any additional question, you can contact Family Services at 352-563-2744 or visit our office at 7768 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429.

3. Come and pick up an application at our office Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Habitat for Humanity homes FREE?

No. All Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay a small amount of closing costs when they have completed the program and all Habitat for Humanity homeowners will pay a monthly mortgage loan payment until the home is paid in full, usually after 20 to 30 years depending on the financing you are eligible for. 

Why aren't the home’s free?  I thought habitat homes were built with donated money, materials, and volunteer labor. 

Some land is donated, some land Habitat for Humanity must buy. A few materials are donated to every home build; the rest Habitat for Humanity must buy. Some labor is volunteered; but some things only licensed & insured professional contractors such as electricians, plumbers, heating & cooling installers, and roofers must do. Cash donations and grants help pay for some of the costs, and selling the donations of gently used items at our ReStore helps pay for the rest. Habitat for Humanity could not exist without the generosity of our donors & volunteers. Our homeowners also play an important part in building more homes: as each new homeowner pays back the cost of building their home, they provide more money to Habitat for Humanity so that we can build more homes.

Are Habitat for Humanity homes available for rent?

No. Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County does not rent homes.

Does Habitat for Humanity provide emergency housing/shelter?

No. We recommend you contact your local Red Cross or United Way for emergency housing.

Do applicants have to be pre-approved by a Bank or Financial Institution?

Once approved for the homeownership program, Habitat will refer you to a partner lender at the appropriate time and walk with you throughout the journey to homeownership.