To achieve the partnership goals of our Homeownership Program and successfully build safe, decent homes, responsibilities are divided among our Future Homeowners, Lafayette Habitat for Humanity and the sponsoring community organizations. While each partnership with Habitat has unique factors, the following are the standard expectations of our partners:
Contributions of the Homeowner:
Pre-move-in:
- 300-450 hours of Sweat Equity work, including work on the construction site and attendance at homeownership and financial education classes
- Approximately $3,000 due at the mortgage closing (right before moving into the home), to be applied to homeowner’s insurance and closing costs
After move-in:
- Monthly payments on a 15- to 30-year, affordable mortgage
- Payment of real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and termite bond
- Payment of all other costs associated with homeownership, including:
- Utility costs
- Yard maintenance
- Regular home maintenance
- Good stewardship of the home and property
- Respect of neighbors and neighborhood
Contributions of Lafayette Habitat for Humanity:
Pre-move-in:
- A buildable lot for construction of a new house
- Building and site plans
- A qualified future homeowner
- Financing with a 15- to 30-year, affordable mortgage
- All legal work for the project
- Builder’s insurance for the house and volunteers during construction
- Construction supervisors
- Homeownership and financial education for the future homeowner
After move-in:
- Mortgage loan servicing
- Ongoing support for the homeowner
- Warranty coverage for the home
Contributions of the Sponsoring Organization(s):
Pre-move-in:
- Funds and in-kind contributions needed to build the Habitat home
- Volunteers to help build the home
If you would like to learn more about homeownership, read through the Frequently Asked Questions, Apply Online and How to Qualify sections of this website, or call us at 337.261.5041. You can also complete the online interest form and we will contact you before we have our next applicant orientation meeting.
Lafayette Habitat for Humanity is 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, sexual orientation or sources of income.
