September 9, 2009

Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity is planning its building program for 2010 and is assessing the need for affordable housing in the local communities we serve. Enclosed is a brief survey that will help us determine that need. We are sending this letter and survey to area banks, realtors, churches, businesses, schools, and other affordable housing providers. We ask that you provide copies of the survey to families that you believe would benefit from Habitat’s housing ministry. They may be clients, employees, parishioners, or parents of school-age children. We will ask the interested families to contact us directly so your only involvement will be to provide the survey.

Habitat for Humanity selects partner families based on three criteria: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Applicants do not have to reside in our service area (Goodhue County plus Lake City and Mazeppa) to be considered.

Our general program guidelines are as follows.

·        Applicants should be in need because their current housing is inadequate (run down and dilapidated, overcrowded, or costing more than 50% of their gross income).

·        Applicants must have sufficient, stable income so that a Habitat home is affordable – total housing costs no more than 30% of their gross income (minimum annual household income of $23,000).

·        Applicant’s total family income should be less than the following maximum incomes (50 percent of the median income in Goodhue County based on family size).

·        Applicants must complete 200 hours of “sweat equity” per adult family member (up to a maximum of 400 hours) constructing Habitat homes.

Thank you for your help with Habitat for Humanity’s housing ministry.

Parker Quammen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.      Establishing Ability to Pay:

Check all items below that apply to your income and financial history.

r      Have you had stable income for at least 6 months (from employment, Social Security, disability, public assistance or other source)
Sources of income:                                                                                                                               

r      Is you income within Habitat for Humanity’s minimum/maximum guidelines

Annual Income:                                                

r      Have you been denied a conventional mortgage loan due to low income or credit history

r      Do you have a bankruptcy pending or have had one discharged within last two years

3.      Assessing Willingness to Partner:

r      Are you willing to work sweaty equity hours (200-400) on your home or other Habitat homes/projects

r      Are you willing to represent Habitat in the community and in the media (publicity)

Return form to Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity, 480 West 8^th Street, Red Wing, MN 55066
651-388-9360 x32 and fax 651-388-9178 and gchfh@charterinternet.com