Habitat for Humanity Gila Region is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International of Americus, Georgia.  Habitat for Humanity Gila Region is a Christian, not-for-profit, ecumenical mission whose goal is to provide decent, affordable housing to families who are not able to qualify for conventional housing loans. All applications will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, martial status, age or source of income.

The Family Selection Committee will review applications and select those that appear to meet preliminary criteria. An interview in the applicant’s home will then be scheduled. Results of the findings of the Family Selection committee will then be presented to the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Gila Region. Family selection is made by the Board. Selection is made following the criteria as set forth by Habitat for Humanity, International.

Three basic criteria are used in selecting a family to purchase a home:

1. Need for adequate shelter.
   An inadequate home may be too small or have dangerous, unsolvable conditions or other factors.
2. Ability to pay for the Habitat Home.
   A small down payment is required along with being able to make monthly payments. Family income must be at or below the New Mexico poverty guidelines.  Evidence is required that the family is not able to qualify for a conventional home loan.
3. Willingness to partner with Habitat.
   The family must agree to perform three hundred (300) hours of “sweat equity” prior to receiving the home.  They also agree to participate in training to maintain their home, to be a good neighbor and become a better financial manager.

There are other more specific requirements that are explained before the chosen family signs an agreement to purchase the home on a no-interest loan.

REQUIREMENTS

• Good Credit:  No late payments, no bankruptcy, no defaults.
• Ability to pay from $350 to $400 per month
• Gainful Employment with an   income of $1100 to $1820 per month.
• 300 hours sweat equity + $500 down payment + $300 for insurance before closing.

THE HOME OWNERSHIP PROCESS

• INITIAL APPLICATION:  Call or visit the Gila Region office for the initial application form.
• THE APPLICATION:  Gather all required documents and bring them to the office when you pick up the final application.
  Some of the things you will need to complete an application.
  • Driver’s License
  • Social Security Card
  • Last 4 pay stubs
  • List of monthly payments and creditors
  • Latest tax returns
  • Divorce Decree if applicable
  • Name and address of employer, bank(s), landlord (s)
  • Recent credit report
  • Proof of legal residency (if applicable.)
• APPLICATION REVIEW.  Once the application is complete and the credit report has been received, The Family Selection committee will review the applications.
• HOME VISIT.  Once an applicant is determined to be eligible, The Family Selection Committee will contact you for a home visit to assess need and verify information on the application.
• SELECTION.  Selection is based on need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with HFH- Gila Region by putting in sweat equity, attending home owner training and paying the mortgage.
• ELIGIBILITY.  Once eligibility is determined, the committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval and the family is notified.  The process takes about 6 weeks

If you would like to learn more about homeownership, call us (575) 538-9540 or complete the online interest form and we will contact you before we have our next meeting.