Apply for a Home

Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County builds houses in partnership with qualifying partner families and sells the houses at no profit with zero percent interest mortgages. The program also prepares partner families to become successful Habitat homeowners.

Here are the steps involved:

  • Attend a Habitat Homeownership Program Orientation Meeting

    Meetings are held throughout the Elkhart County area. Participants learn more about homeownership basics and Habitat for Humanity's process. Call (574) 533-6109 for dates and times.

  • Application Process

    Complete the application and meet with our Family Services Director to review it. A committee will review all of the applications and will make recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval. Once approved, the 'process' is done and the 'program' begins.

  • The Program

    All prospective Habitat homeowners are required to complete 250 "sweat-equity" hours. This includes participating in the construction process of their home, as well as the homes of other partner families. In addition, Habitat families will attend 8 homeowner training sessions prior to home closing. Topics include money management and budgeting, home maintenance and safety, and community involvement.

    This training program provides families with a sound foundation of knowledge designed to boost homeownership success.


    "There was a point in time when I'd given up, pretty much on humans, on humanity. And I've got to say, through the journey of working with you guys (Habitat for Humanity), that it's restored my faith in people."
    —Bryce, Habitat Homeowner