News Release: 11/11/2019

Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications from persons interested in applying to purchase a home to be constructed in 2020 until Dec. 31.

“It is important for those who wish to apply to realize that these houses are not given away,” ECHFH President Jane Elfring explained. “There are qualifications for these no-interest mortgages just as there would be for conventional mortgages.”

A family of four must have a gross income under $45,600. In addition, the monthly payment must be no more than 30% of their gross income. Applicants can expect to pay $600 each month for their mortgage payment, taxes and insurance. Additionally, they have to save money for the closing costs of the loan, typically around $2000.

Applicants must live in Pasquotank County, have a need for this house (such as high rent or utility bills, unsafe or unhealthy conditions) and must be willing to partner with ECHFH by contributing 500 hours of “sweat equity.” Those hours can be earned by a number of means, including attending new homeowner meetings to learn how to budget, working in the local Sale Store, and working on the construction of the house as well as other houses that will be built in the area.

Sweat equity has always been an important component of the Habitat model, Elfring said. From the time the first houses were constructed in Georgia, Habitat officials required families to contribute time to their construction. Working on their homes and those of others gives homeowners a sense of ownership and build community.

Habitat houses traditionally have 1100-1200 sq. ft. They are simple, decent, affordable houses built to get families into a decent house. ECHFH partners with the City of Elizabeth City to make the house as energy efficient as possible.

Applications may be picked up at Taylor Mueller Realty, 440 S. Hughes Blvd. or at the ECHFH Sale Store, 306 Mill St. In addition to the application, applicants must also submit proof of income (such as pay stubs), a credit report, proof of employment and a copy of their most recent tax return.

For further information, contact Jane Elfring, 252-384-0115, or jelfri@bellatlantic.net.