Everyone deserves strength, stability and shelter
Learn how to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner in Dubuque and Jackson Counties.
How to become a Habitat homeowner
To partner with Habitat for Humanity, home applicants must meet the following three income guidelines and demonstrate:
- A need for housing
If you live in housing that is unsafe, overcrowded, too expensive or inaccessible, you can demonstrate need. Applicants impacted by systemic housing discrimination or experiencing barriers to homeownership are encouraged to apply. - A willingness to partner with us
You agree to put in 200 (single applicants) or 300 (joint applicants) hours of sweat equity, attend homeownership education classes and maintain open and honest communication with our team. As partners, Dubuque and Jackson Counties Habitat for Humanity will secure affordable financing to make sure your housing costs do not exceed more than 30% of your household income. The path to homeownership with Habitat takes an average of 12–18 months from application to closing. - The ability to pay a long-term mortgage
You are applying for a loan to purchase a home from Dubuque and Jackson Counties Habitat for Humanity. You can demonstrate the ability to pay up to 30% of your income for a mortgage payment because you have steady income and meet the following income criteria.
Are you ready to become a homeowner? Take our homeowner program readiness survey to evaluate your readiness!
HUD Income Guidelines
Habitat for Humanity offers its program to families in specific income ranges, adjusted for the number of people in your family. For Dubuque and Jackson Counties, your total yearly gross household income must fall within the posted ranges below.
| Household Size | Min. Household Income | Max. Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 21,400 | $ 57,050 |
| 2 | $ 24,450 | $ 65,200 |
| 3 | $ 27,500 | $ 73,350 |
| 4 | $ 31,200 | $ 81,450 |
| 5 | $ 36,580 | $ 88,000 |
| 6 | $ 41,960 | $ 94,500 |
| 7 | $ 47,340 | $ 101,000 |
| 8 | $ 52,720 | $ 107,550 |
- Income eligibility is calculated based on the applicant’s household total gross income. Gross income is before taxes and deductions.
- Income from all wages are included, including SSI, SSDI, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, child support, and others.
- Income guidelines are listed by household size. Review the income guidelines tables to see current income guidelines. Income guidelines are updated annually. Households must income qualify at the time of application, throughout participation, and at closing.
Qualifications
- I need better or more affordable housing
- I am willing to volunteer 200–300 hours with Habitat and in the community
- I can afford a mortgage payment up to 30% of my gross monthly income
- I have two years of steady, verifiable income
- I have two years of good rental history
- My non-medical debt is less than 13% of my income
- I can pass a criminal background and sex offender registry check
- I can save money to pay the down payment and closing costs
- I am willing to live in Dubuque or Jackson County
Ready to build a better future for your family?
Notice: The federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age; because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has exercised in good faith any right under the Consumer Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 30580
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, national origin, age, marital status, or sources of income.
