The Escambia County Habitat for Humanity is looking for families who have a dream of owning their own home.
Alecia Glaize, executive director of the organization, said orientation for potential homeowners has been planned over the coming weeks.
“We will hold orientation sessions for anyone interested in becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner,” Glaize said. “Anyone interested must attend an orientation session in order to receive an application.”
Sessions will be held throughout the county to give potential homeowners in each city an opportunity to learn more about the program.
The first session is set for Thursday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m. at the Flomaton Public Library. Two sessions are scheduled in Brewton Aug. 30. The first Brewton session will be held at 10 a.m. at the Habitat Restore with a second session at 5 p.m. at the Brewton Public Library. For Atmore area residents a session is planned for Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
In order to qualify for the Habitat program, potential homeowners must have been living in substandard housing in Escambia County, AL for at least one year. Substandard housing can be defined as structurally unsound, plumbing or electrical problems, unsafe environment or temporary (i.e. Section 8 or Housing Authority), overcrowding, renting, living with family member.
Participants must have a stable verifiable income of approximately $13,000 – $23,000 per year. Income limits vary according to family size. Documentation verifying income must accompany the application.
Participants must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity in building their own home and the homes of others. Each homeowner family is required to invest 450 “sweat equity” hours into the construction of their home and other Habitat homes.
Participants must be willing to accept responsibility for repaying Habitat what it costs to build/renovate the home. Habitat for Humanity offers a 20-year no-interest mortgage.
For details about requirements or the application process, potential homeowners should attend any orientation session or contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 867-0095 in Brewton.