EASTERN CONNECTICUT, September 1, 2022 – Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut accepts applications for the Homeownership Program twice a year in March and September. Our program provides an opportunity for local families to move from substandard housing into homeownership with an affordable mortgage. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.

“Habitat is about partnership – staff and volunteers work right alongside qualifying families, identifying and eliminating barriers, focusing on security for today and sustainability for the future,” says Executive Director, Sarah Lufler. “Becoming a first-time homebuyer is a life-changing event, and it’s our mission to help as many folks as possible achieve that goal.”

The Applicant Information Meeting (AIM) will go live on September 1st and can be found on HFHECT’s website. This is where the journey to homeownership begins. By reviewing the online information, interested applicants will learn program requirements for becoming a partner to purchase a Habitat home. Habitat’s program is available to households earning 50% or less of the area median income and is based on three primary criteria: a need for better housing, willingness to partner with Habitat, and the ability to pay an affordable mortgage.

Habitat homeowners are low-income heads of households who invest 250-350 hours of sweat equity working alongside staff and volunteers constructing their new home and the homes of other future Habitat homeowners. At closing, they buy their homes from Habitat with a no-profit affordable mortgage. The principal payments are reinvested into the program and allow future applicants to realize the same opportunity, while taxes paid by homeowners help fund local municipal services.

HFHECT provides training, counseling, and support throughout the program. Homeownership can be a reality for local families who apply: www.habitatect.org/homeownership

To learn more about HFHECT’s work or to volunteer, visit www.habitatect.org or call (860) 442-7890.