apply for homeownership
Habitat for Humanity of Racine & Kenosha partners with qualifying families and the community to build safe, decent homes. Once completed, these homes are sold to partner families at an affordable price. We also provide education and resources to help families become successful, long-term homeowners.
Habitat does not give away houses. Instead, we offer low- or no-interest mortgages and affordable paths to homeownership. Future homeowners must demonstrate a need for housing, the ability to make monthly mortgage payments, and a willingness to partner with Habitat.
There are 3 major qualifications for applying for a Habitat home:
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Habitat for Humanity of Racine & Kenosha uses a closed application system. We will be accepting applications during the following dates each year:
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March 1st at 9:00 am - March 15th at 4:00 pm
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Sept. 1st at 9:00 am - Sept. 15th at 4:00 pm
Any applications sent outside of these time periods will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
If you need to pick up a paper copy of the application please call our office to schedule a time to do so. Applications are only available for pick up during the open application periods.
what happens now?
1. complete application
Complete the application above. Then submit the application, the required documents and the $25 application fee. You may mail it or drop it off at our main office location: 1501 Villa Street Racine, WI 53403 . Applications must be received prior to the deadline. If you need to pick up a physical copy of the application, please call the office (262 637-9176) to set up a pick up time.
Before submitting the completed application, be sure to make a copy for yourself. If you are not accepted this application round, you are welcome to apply again at another round in the future.
2. application review
After your application is submitted, Habitat staff will pull civil/criminal records and obtain your credit report. Habitat staff will request references and the documentations submitted (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) for review. This step takes about 1 month.
*Please note that you are not guaranteed admittance into the program even if you qualify under the program criteria.
3. home visit
Habitat representatives will visit your home to meet your family, tour your current residence, and confirm your household information. This step takes about 1 month.
4. board of directors’ approval
After completing a home visit, your application will be presented to the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors for final approval. This step takes about 1 month.
5. acceptance
Approved families can then start to complete the 200 hours (single adult) or 300 hours (2 or more adults) of sweat equity on their own home and the home of fellow Habitat homeowners and other projects. You will be asked to complete the google classroom training on the Homeowner Hub and get access to Volunteer Hub to start signing up for sweat equity hours.
6. sweat equity
After hitting 25% of your required sweat equity hours, you will be offered one of the available home locations.