Habitat for Humanity to Build Homes in Charles City County
Applications now open for future homebuyers.
CHARLES CITY, Virginia – Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg will build four houses in Charles City County in 2022 and is accepting applications now for residents in the region to begin the process of qualifying to purchase these new homes.
This marks the first time since its founding in 1985 that Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg will build and sell homes in Charles City County, although the Richmond Habitat affiliate previously built a home in the County.
“Habitat for Humanity builds more than just homes,” said the Peninsula and Williamsburg affiliate’s Chief Operating Officer, LaToya Jones Tyler. “We build communities. We build hope. While we have long served populations which border the community, such as James City, being able to finally build within Charles City’s borders, and to bring the real impact of our mission there, is a great honor.”
Tyler added, “I am personally proud to be involved in this project because both my parents, all of my grandparents and generations before them call Charles City home.”
Construction in Charles City County is expected to start in 2022, with applications being accepted through all of 2021, Tyler said.
“Normally, we have a limited window of time that we accept applications for homebuyers,” Tyler said. “With Charles City County, though, we are willing to keep the application period open year-round to ensure we give families adequate time to learn more about this program, prepare their applications and qualify.”
To qualify to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house as part of the first-time homebuyer program, applicants cannot have owned a home within the past three years; and must currently live or work for at least a year in the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson or Williamsburg, or the counties of Charles City, James City, New Kent or York.
Applicants must also earn an annual income that falls within limits calculated by Habitat for Humanity based on the number of people living in the home. For example, a family of four must have a minimum family income of around $37,125, but cannot earn more than $66,000 per year.
There are credit qualifications as well. Habitat Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg does not qualify applicants based on credit score; however, all collections, judgments and liens must be satisfied by applicants, with loan and credit payments paid on time. Applicants who have filed for bankruptcy must be at least two years past discharge and have good credit re-established. An applicant’s current debt will be taken into consideration.
Homes are purchased with a zero-interest equivalent, 20 to 30-year mortgage.
“If there is one thing often misunderstood about Habitat for Humanity, it’s that many think we give houses away,” Tyler said. “It’s quite the opposite. Our partner families purchase the Habitat for Humanity houses and are excited to have a mortgage to pay instead of rent. It signifies their ownership and the hard work that went into making the purchase possible. And we are able to help families realize a dream of homeownership they never thought possible.”
Construction of each Habitat for Humanity house is a cooperative effort between volunteers, house sponsors and the buyers of the house. Participating families provide at least 300 hours (called sweat equity) toward building their own and other families’ homes.
Interested homebuyers are encouraged to visit HabitatPGW.org to review and start the application process. For more information, direct specific questions by email to partner@habitatpgw.org or call 757-596-5553 option 2.
Interested volunteers or corporate sponsors can direct specific questions by email to info@habitatpgw.org or call 757-596-5553 option 6.
