Eligibility & Program

Families applying to become part of the Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County program must meet three criteria:

1. Need

2. Ability to pay

3. Willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity

a.  Need:  The most important reason for selecting a family for a Habitat home is their need for better living conditions.  For example, if the applicant lives in an apartment without proper heat or plumbing, we consider that poor living conditions.  Also, peeling paint inside or insects or rats or mice in the present home show the applicants need for better housing.  Housing is also considered substandard/poor if it is overcrowded (for example, children of opposite sexes sharing a bedroom) or rent is too high for family income (for example, if rent payments are so high families do not have enough money left to feed or dress their children properly).  During the home visit, two FSC members evaluate actual living conditions and discuss living conditions noted on the application. 

b.  Ability to pay:  To be selected for a Habitat house, a family should have enough income to pay the taxes, utilities, insurance and upkeep costs as well as the no-interest mortgage payments.  Families who earn enough to qualify for a conventional home loan (mortgage) from a bank are not qualified for a Habitat house. Our experience has shown that the current (2005) yearly minimum income required is $23,000 (gross) to be a successful Habitat homeowner.  The maximum a household can earn to qualify for the Habitat program in Bridgeport is 50 per cent of the area medium income, depending upon family size.   For 2005*, the maximum income allowed is as follows:

*updated annually from HUD report back to top

Debt to income ratio: A family can be considered to be within our guidelines if their total debt payment (excluding projected house payment to Habitat) does not prohibit them from paying for childcare, food, clothing, transportation, and utilities. Debt payments each month (including projected house payment to Habitat) ideally should not exceed 36% of the family's monthly income.  However, if the family demonstrates the ability to consistently meet rent payments substantially higher than the projected monthly payment to Habitat, they can still be considered within our guidelines. 

Monthly payment consistency:  Families must demonstrate the ability to make regular monthly payments for rent, utilities, and other credit obligations. Habitat obtains credit reports for all adults in the family.  If a credit report reveals an outstanding debt (such as student loan or child support delinquency), they must demonstrate an intention to repay the debt by a by providing a documented plan approved by the creditor.  A family should not have declared bankruptcy within three years of the application date.

Documentation is required to prove ability to pay.  To learn what documents you must provide, please visit the next page.

c.  Willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity:  Families must demonstrate willingness to partner and ability to complete the sweat equity commitment before the closing for the house, except in instances agreed to by the Executive Director, the Director of Families Services, and the Chair of the Family Selection Committee.  Willingness to partner includes filling out the application, providing necessary documentation, readily engaging in the home interview and the desire to live in the neighborhoods where Habitat is working.  Families must also sign and agree to the conditions explained in HFHCFC’s Letter of Notification and Acceptance.