BOONE, Iowa—The coronavirus pandemic delayed the start to the 2020 home build for the Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity. Since the initial delay, volunteers have been stepping up and quite a bit of progress is being made. Now it’s time to begin the search for the next partner family. Associate Director Lindsay Lynch released the announcement:
To fulfill its mission to eliminate unsafe and substandard housing in our community, Habitat for Humanity is actively seeking applicants to begin the process of becoming homeowners in Boone County.
Requirements for becoming a partner family include demonstrating currently inadequate housing, meeting income guidelines and a willingness to partner with the local organization in building a safe, simple and efficient house.
Once a house is completed, the family begins a mortgage covering construction costs. Sweat equity will be required based on family size. With volunteer efforts, this final cost is typically well below market value of the house. Monthly combined mortgage, taxes and insurance payments will usually be between $400 and $600.
To fulfill targeting of challenged families who still have the potential for success in homeownership, guidelines require the family to earn within 30 and 60 percent of Boone County Median Family Income. This is scaled based upon the number of family members. As an example, a family of four would need annual gross family income between $21,900-43,800.
Other conditions include applicants must have lived in Boone County for a minimum of one year and have no current liens or judgments outstanding at the time of construction.
Families considering partnership with Habitat for Humanity are encouraged to pick up an application at our office on 720 Story Street, Boone or online at heartofiowahabitat.org.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard and poverty housing and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity welcomes all persons as partner families regardless of religious beliefs or affiliations.
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