Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a community-based, non-profit, voluntary, charitable organization, open to everyone without discrimination. Our mission is based on homeownership as the answer to eliminating inadequate housing. We partner with low-income families to build simple, decent, affordable homes.

Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials. Habitat builds simple, decent houses, with the help of the homeowner. Habitat houses follow standardized design criteria that maintain the “simple and decent” archetype. Most Habitat projects are single dwellings or semi-detached homes, but Habitat for Humanity is expanding the scope of its projects to include restorations and refurbishments.

Contrary to popular belief, Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. Homes are sold to successful applicants at the fair market value. We work with people who help themselves.

Habitat for Humanity is open to people from all cultures and traditions. When we say “families” we are referring to a wide variety of family structures including single parent families, couples, families with children, and families with elderly relatives living in the same home as a few examples. We partner with those who share our goals to end inadequate housing.

Each selected homeowner family will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for a minimum of 500 hours. These hours must be completed prior to becoming the registered homeowner. Families may work on their own home, the homes of others, in our office or our ReStores. This is an important way for future homeowners to demonstrate their commitment to homeownership and participation in the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. At no time will any family be compensated for this volunteer activity.

Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands builds simple, decent homes, that are sold to Habitat Familes at fair market value. The monthly payment for a Habitat home for the mortgage and property tax is approximately 25% to 30% of your monthly income depending on the build area, and is reviewed annually. In addition, the homeowner is also responsible for insurance, maintenance, utilities and all cost associated with owning and operating a home.

There are different interest models depending on the build. From interest free to only portions of the mortgage being interest free. This will be stated on the information for each build. The mortgage also has a number of special terms, such as requiring that the homeowners remain the principal occupants of the home, and keep it in proper repair.

There are three major qualification requirements to be eligible for a Habitat for Humanity Home.  All applications are reviewed by the Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands Family Selection Committee to verify the following:

1. Families living in substandard housing are given preference. Some factors that are considered include:

• Poor structural conditions such as wiring, ventilation, heating or bathroom facilities
• Medical disabilities and general health conditions are made worse by current housing
• The location of your housing is not accessible to schools, shopping and transportation in a safe community
• Overcrowding for the number of people living in the home
• Percentage of income currently spent on housing is too high, over 30% of gross income

2. You must have the ability to pay a mortgage,

• Sources of income that are considered in the review include employment income (you must show a work history of 3 years), spousal and child support, childcare supplements, child tax benefits, pensions and social assistance. We will ask for income verification of all persons over the age of 18 who intend to live in the home.
• You must have 3 years permanent residency in Canada and be a resident of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
• Your entire family income before deductions must be within the current LICO (Low Income Cut Off) levels.
• Your debts must be less than 40% of your total family income.
• If you have claimed bankruptcy in the past you must have been discharged for a minimum of three years.
• In addition to the costs of homeownership, the amount of long-term debt is considered. This is to confirm that the family can pay for a  mortgage.
• Families must be able to pay for expenses associated with moving.

• The amount of the monthly payment is based on:
  • The cost of the home spread out over 30 (or more) years
  • The total income of everyone living in the home
  • How much is left to pay on the mortgage and the number of years available to pay it in full
  • Property taxes spread evenly over 12 months
  • Insurance spread evenly over 12 months

3. You must be willing to partner with us and help advance the mission of Habitat. In the selection process:

• We will ask for references and supporting documents for most of the criteria.
• We will ask permission to process a credit check.
• We will look at how you show determination to improve your family’s current situation.
• We will ask you to do a budget to show how you will handle the mortgage and expenses.
• Representatives from the Family Selection Committee will visit your current home to see your needs and talk with you personally.
• We will look at how you show willingness to participate in Habitat for Humanity activities.
• You will be expected to earn 500  volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity.