Program Overview - Home Ownership the Habitat Way
Habitat for Humanity – Clinton County, OH believes that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. When you partner with us, you don't just build a house. you build a better future with support, resources and opportunities available exclusively to the Habitat community.
Our newly constructed homes are sold at no profit with zero percent interest mortgages, with minimal down payments and closing costs. Approved homeowners qualify for a monthly housing payment no more than 30% of their monthly income.
Since our founding in 1995, we have partnered with 52 families to help them build a better life for themselves and their loved ones.
Habitat for Humanity–Clinton County (HFH-CC) is a true partnership housing program. We work alongside individuals and families who are ready to build a better future through affordable homeownership.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have resided or been employed in CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO for a minimum of 12 months immediately preceding the application date
- Demonstrate a clear need for safe, decent housing
- Demonstrate the ability to repay an affordable mortgage (monthly payments will not exceed 30% of gross income and include taxes and insurance)
- Be willing to partner with Habitat throughout the homebuilding and buying process.
Our homebuyers invest sweat equity by working alongside volunteers to build their own homes as well as the homes of other families. They also participate in homeownership education and financial classes to prepare for long-term success. Throughout their journey, they serve as proud ambassadors for Habitat for Humanity–Clinton County.
In return, they are given the opportunity—not a handout—to build and purchase a home with an affordable mortgage. At HFH-CC, we don’t give away houses. We provide the opportunity for individuals and families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
Please review Guide to Becoming a Homeowner and The 4 Steps to Homeownership to determine if you meet the qualifications and requirements for the program.
We are currently accepting applications for 287 Hawley Ave., Wilmington. If you are interested in this build site, contact Mitzi Dennis at 513-601-4664 or mdennis@clintonhabitat.org to schedule an orientation meeting.
Your Guide to Becoming a Homeowner
Everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and getting your paperwork together.
If you’ve been dreaming about owning your own home but feel like the traditional housing market is out of reach, you’re not alone. Rising costs and limited affordable options make homeownership feel impossible for a lot of families in Clinton County, Oh. But here’s something you should know: Habitat for Humanity exists to change that.
At Habitat for Humanity – Clinton County, we help individuals and families become homeowners through affordable homeownership and zero-interest mortgages. We build homes in partnership with qualified applicants who are ready to invest in a stronger future for themselves and their community. This is not a giveaway. It’s a partnership, and it starts with you taking the first step.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from figuring out if you qualify all the way through gathering the documents you need to apply. Think of it as your roadmap to homeownership.
What Makes Habitat Homeownership Different?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, it helps to understand what makes the Habitat model unique. Unlike traditional home buying, Habitat homeownership is built on a partnership between you, our organization, and a community of volunteers and supporters.
Habitat does not give away homes. Instead, you’ll work alongside volunteers to help build your home (or homes for other families), attend homeowner education classes, and pay an affordable, zero-interest mortgage. Your monthly mortgage payments go right back into the community to help build more homes for families just like yours. A home is considered affordable when you pay no more than 30% of your income toward your mortgage at the time of closing, and that’s the standard we hold ourselves to. This model sets families up for real, long-term success. You won’t just get keys to the front door. You’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and financial foundation to thrive as a homeowner for years to come.
Do I Qualify? Start Here.
The first thing most people want to know is whether they’re eligible. That’s completely understandable. Here are the basic qualifications for the Habitat homeownership program. You must meet all four:
1. You Have a Need for Better Housing
Maybe your current living situation is overcrowded, unsafe, or unstable. Maybe you’re paying too much in rent for a place that doesn’t meet your family’s needs. Whatever the specifics, you need to be able to demonstrate that your current housing isn’t adequate and that homeownership would meaningfully improve your situation.
2. You’re Willing to Partner with Habitat
This is a big part of what makes the program work. As a Habitat homeowner, you’ll complete sweat equity hours, which means investing your own time and effort into the process. Sweat equity can include helping to build your home or another family’s home, volunteering at fundraising events, or completing homeowner education classes. You’ll also participate in homebuyer education courses that cover everything from budgeting and managing a mortgage to home maintenance and small repairs.
You must also be willing to live in the areas and the houses that HFH - CC is building in. You can see a general list of the build sites we have available in the Program Overview section.
3. You Can Pay an Affordable Mortgage
You’ll need to show that you have the ability to make monthly mortgage payments. Habitat mortgages are zero-interest and designed to be affordable based on your income, but you do need a steady source of income to qualify. Your total monthly household income (before taxes and deductions) must fall within specific ranges based on your household size. Click here to review the Qualifying Income Chart.
These ranges are updated periodically. If you’re close to the minimum or maximum for your household size, it’s still worth reaching out to us. We’re happy to talk through your specific situation. *Note we will also review your credit in the application process if your pre-application is approved. Applicants cannot have more than $2,000 in bad debt or collections at the time of application, and that must all be paid down by closing. “Bad debt”/Collections only refers to debts that are unpaid and past due– if you have debts that are paid on time each month, this is just considered debt, not “bad debt”. We do not consider medical debt when reviewing applicant debts.
4. You meet the following Citizenship/Residency requirements
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents. Copies are required of two of the following documents for each applicant: a driver's license, state photo ID card, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), Social Security Card or a passport.
The applicant and co-applicant must have lived or worked in Clinton County, OH for at least 12 months at the time you apply. This program is specifically designed to serve families in our local community.
The Application Process - Step by Step
Now that you know the basic qualifications, let’s walk through what the process actually looks like from start to finish. Once we open our application process and you reach out to us, our Family Selection Committee Chair will contact you to schedule an Orientation Meeting to review the qualifications and requirements for the program.
Step 1: Fill Out the Pre-Application
This is your starting point. The pre-application is a short questionnaire, and it’s designed to help both you and our team figure out if the program could be a good fit.
The pre-application asks for basic information such as:
- How many people will be living in your household
- Your total monthly household income (before taxes and deductions)Whether you’ve lived or worked in Clinton County for at least 12 months
- Whether you’ve previously owned a home (program is for first time homebuyers)
- Whether you’ve declared bankruptcy in the past 3 years
The following documents are required for this meeting:
- Copy of your valid driver's license or state photo ID card
- Last 2 years IRS Tax Form 1040; or W-2’s for each applicant
- Copy of your most recent paystub
- Copy of one (1) of your most recent utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone)
- Your current Credit Report (for each applicant) You can check your credit by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. You are entitled to receive one free copy from each of the three credit reporting agencies one time per year by visiting this website.
All questions on the pre-application are required, and you’ll sign it to confirm that the information you’ve provided is accurate. Don’t overthink this step. It’s quick, straightforward, and it’s the first move toward something big.
Step 2: We Review Your Pre-Application
Once you submit your pre-application, our team reviews it to determine if you meet the basic program criteria. If it is approved, you will receive the full program application and the application checklist so you can start gathering your documents.
If your pre-application was not approved, we will notify you to tell you the specific reason that you did not qualify. If you don’t qualify right away, don’t lose hope – depending on the specific reason for denial; you may be able to qualify after a little bit of time or work on the specific criteria.
Step 3: Complete the Full Application
The full application is more detailed, and it’s where you’ll pull together the supporting documents that help us understand your financial picture and housing needs. We know gathering paperwork can feel overwhelming, but every item on the checklist is there for a reason: it helps us understand your situation and move your application forward.
And here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it alone. We offer free Application Help Sessions whether you need help finding documents, understanding your credit, or just want someone to walk through the checklist with you, our team is there. Be sure to bring your application packet and whatever supporting documents you have so far. Contact Mitzi Dennis at 513-601-4664 or www.mdennis@clintonhabitat.org to schedule an appointment.
Step 4: Interview and Home Visit
After your application is reviewed, the next step is typically an in-person home visit. Two members of our staff will visit your current home to learn more about your housing situation, hear about your goals, and get a sense of how Habitat homeownership fits into your life. This isn’t a test. It’s a conversation, and it’s a chance for us to get to know you and your family.
Step 5: Selection and Approval
Our staff carefully reviews each application packet and makes recommendations. The selection process follows a nondiscriminatory policy in keeping with the Fair Housing Act. We evaluate applicants based on need for housing, willingness to partner, and ability to pay an affordable mortgage. Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll follow up with you by written communication (email or mail) within 30 days.
Step 6: Participate, Build, and Learn
If you’re selected, this is where the partnership really comes to life. You’ll attend our onboarding session, and then begin your sweat equity hours, attend homebuyer education classes, and work alongside volunteers as your home takes shape. From handling a hammer on the build site to learning how to budget for homeownership, this part of the process is designed to set you up for long-term success.
Step 7: Close and Move In
Once your home is complete and all the requirements are met, you’ll close on your affordable, zero-interest mortgage and receive the keys to your new home. Friends, family, volunteers, and Habitat staff often come together for a home dedication to celebrate this incredible milestone. It’s the beginning of a new chapter.
Your Application Checklist - Gather These Documents
When you receive the full application, you’ll also get a checklist of supporting documents to include. Getting these together ahead of time will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for you and any co-applicant:
Your Application
- Completed and signed program application
- Social security card (applicant and co-applicant)
- State-issued ID (applicant and co-applicant)
- Permanent Resident Card (green card)
Income and Employment
Important: Each of these documents are needed for everyone over the age of 18 in your household, not just the applicant.
- W-2 forms for the last 2 years
- IRS tax returns for the last 2 years
- Paystubs from all employers (last 60 days)
Benefits and Support
Include any that apply to your household:
- Child support benefit statement (if an order is established)
- Statement of benefits from SSI, SSD, pension, or disability
Bank and Retirement Accounts
This covers all accounts in the name of the applicant(s) and all household members over the age of 18, including pre-paid cards:
- Current bank statements for the last 60 days (checking, savings, CashApp etc.)
- Statements from retirement accounts or 401(k)
Current Housing Information
- Landlord contact information (phone number and address) and prior landlord information if at current address for less than one year
- Copy of Lease Agreement and the most recent receipt (money order, canceled check or bank statement) to evidence rent payment
Current Monthly Expenses
- Copy of utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, Internet etc) for the previous 3 months.
Current Credit Obligations
- Car loan payments, student loans, credit card payments, insurance, medical debt, child support, alimony, any lease or installment plans (rent to own, furniture, appliances etc. for the previous 3 months.
Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success
Start gathering documents now. Even if you’re not quite ready to apply, begin pulling together your tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. Having these organized ahead of time takes a lot of the stress out of the application process.
Be honest and thorough. Answer every question on the pre-qualifying application and the full application completely. Incomplete applications slow things down, and we can’t begin the review process without all the required items.
Don’t count yourself out. A lot of people assume they won’t qualify before they even look at the requirements. If you’re close on income, if your credit isn’t perfect, or if you’ve had financial setbacks, reach out to us anyway. We’re here to help you figure out what’s possible.
Ask for help. Our Homeownership team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions at any point in the process, contact us.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Homeownership changes everything. It provides stability for your family. It builds equity and financial security over time. And it gives you a place that’s truly yours, one you helped build with your own hands.
Habitat for Humanity – Clinton County has been helping families in our community build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership since 1995.
If you think you might qualify, don’t wait - let’s review the Four Steps to Homeownership next.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
