Qualify & Apply

Homeownership
Home must be owner-occupied and the primary residence of the owner. Homeowners must be current on mortgage payments and property taxes, and the home must be insured.

Location
Home must be located in the City of Portland.

Ability to Pay
Homeowners seeking a deferred 0%-interest loan must demonstrate their ability to repay the loan by possessing at least $15,000 of equity in the home. Equity is determined by subtracting the amount currently owed on the home from the market value of the home. Homeowners are not required to take out a loan with Habitat if they have other sources of financing. For small projects totaling $1,000 or less, homeowners must pay a given percentage of the total project cost. This percentage is based on the household income level and ranges from 10% to 30% of the total project cost.

Willingness to Partner
When selected, you become a partner with Habitat for Humanity. Homeowners participate in the repair of their home by completing up to 20 hours of sweat equity, depending on the size of the project. We ask that homeowners work alongside our volunteers if they are physically able. If not, participants will have other sweat equity options.

Need
Home must be in need of repair. You and your family will be considered if your income is 80% of the median Portland area household income or below. [See the Annual Income Guidelines.]