Skip to content

Local residents encouraged to apply for new Habitat home

Are you the next Habitat for Humanity homeowner in Cairo?
Construction will start on a new home in March. To find out if you qualify for ownership, you may apply in person at one of the following sessions to be held in the auditorium of the Roddenbery Memorial Library:
Sessions have been scheduled for:
Saturday, January 19 -12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 22 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 26 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Applicants must bring copies of their current bills and proof of income. Bring copies of payroll stubs, benefit eligibility letters, bank statements, utility bills, credit card bills, car payment receipts, or any other proof of income or debt. You will also be interviewed as a part of the application, so plan on spending about an hour for your interview.
Income requirements vary depending on the size of family, but a family of four should earn between $17,600 and $46,000 per year.
“A Habitat homeowner undertakes a special responsibility when selected,” according to Kathy Harris, chapter secretary. “Their neighbors are basically loaning them money at no interest. Repayment of that debt can’t be taken lightly.  Habitat isn’t building houses to give away. We are providing an alternative to people whose incomes don’t qualify them for typical loans. They have enough income to be able to afford a house payment of $375 per month, but not enough to get a typical mortgage. In addition to being able to afford the house, the applicants must also demonstrate current need for adequate housing and be willing to put work into the project,” Harris said.
According to chapter president Bob Anderson, “Homeowners have to plan on paying not only the mortgage, insurance and taxes, but also future repairs in addition to their usual expenses. That takes careful budgeting on a limited income. Our successful homeowners put paying the mortgage first.”
Volunteers have built seven houses in the last 10 years.  “Helping someone own a beautiful home is one of the most satisfying things I do,” says Johnny Carrouth, construction chairman.
Volunteers are needed and welcome. Contact John Monds at gchh@windstream.net to become a Habitat volunteer.

Leave a Comment