Homeownership Program

We’re sending out applications

We want to help you build a better life for you and your family that will last generations. We will work with you to learn the skills to become a successful homeowner. Becoming a homeowner is hard work, but with some help from volunteers and donors, we can build a stronger future together.

Our Homeownership Program is open from January 1, 2024 through January 31, 2024, and requires an application. You may request an application by calling 269-344-2443, emailing mailbox@habitatkalamazoo.org, or picking up an application at our administrative office, 1126 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (our office hours are listed on this site).

To submit an application, mail, email or drop off the application in person. Don’t forget the application fee! An application must include a $30 credit report fee for a single person or $55 for a household with two or more people. The fee must be submitted as a check or money order made out to Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity. We do not accept cash.

Do you qualify?
Consider these questions.

Do you have a need for a home?

At least one of the following conditions must be true of your current housing and situation:

Unable to qualify for a mortgage through conventional financing.
Inadequate conditions – unsafe, unhealthy, inadaptable for disabled persons, overcrowded, etc.
Unstable or transitional situation – staying with family/friends, etc.
Cost-burdened – rent is more than 30% of monthly income

Additionally, you may not have more than $35,000 in cash assets in checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks/bonds, and/or certificate of deposit accounts (retirement funds & designated college savings funds excluded) and you must be a United States citizen or United States permanent resident.

Will you partner with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity?

To become a homeowner in our program, you must:

Complete the application package and participate in the application process
Attend all required meetings, workshops, and classes
Complete required volunteer hours
Accept available properties and home design plans
Maintain or improve financial standing during the duration of Homeownership Program

Do you have the ability to pay for a home?

Your total yearly gross (before taxes) income of applicant (and co-applicant if applicable) must be between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income for your household size (see Income Chart).

You must have at least 12 months of steady, stable income. All lawful sources of income counted, as long as we can reasonably assume each income source will continue for at least three years.

Your existing long-term (more than 10 months) monthly debt obligation may not be more than around 13% of your total monthly income.

You must demonstrate a history of paying rent, utilities, and other bills on time.

You must possess an acceptable credit history with satisfactory payment of debts, and no more than around $2,000 of debt can be in collections at the time of your application.

What Are My Homeownership Program Obligations?

Volunteering a minimum of 200 volunteer hours
Attending required homeownership classes and workshops
Saving a minimum of $1,000 for a down payment, plus the cost of one year of homeowner’s insurance
Partnering with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity to build a stronger future for you and your family

How long does the Homeownership Program process take?

The application process itself can take two or more months depending on how promptly applicants can supply documentation and other materials required as part of the process.

Once an applicant is accepted into the program, the actual home build through closing usually takes 12 to 18 months. This timeline gives ample time for homeowners to complete their volunteer hours.

We can never guarantee a specific time because of the numerous uncontrollable factors involved in the building process, from weather and permitting to availability of building materials and subcontractors.

Eligibility income levels

Homeownership Program (Kalamazoo County)
Total Annual Gross Income of Applicant(s)

1 household member: $19,260-38,520
2 household members: $22,020-44,040
3 household members: $24,780-49,560
4 household members: $27,510-55,020
5 household members: $29,730-59,460
6 household members: $31,920-63,840
7 household members: $34,140-68,280
8 household members: $36,330-72,660

Homeownership Program (Allegan County)
Total Annual Gross Income of Applicant(s)

1 household member: $18,420-36,840
2 household members: $21,060-42,120
3 household members: $23,700-47,400
4 household members: $26,310-52,620
5 household members: $28,440-56,880
6 household members: $30,540-61,080
7 household members: $32,640-65,280
8 household members: $34,740-69,480