Become a Partner Family

 
 

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Habitat home, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Ability to Pay

  • at least one member in the household working in stable employment

  • have a household income between $35,000 to $86,000

  • can afford monthly payments, calculated at 30% of family’s total household income (employment income, disability income, a portion of child tax benefits, GST rebates, child support, spousal support)

  • no overwhelming debt

  • not declared bankruptcy in the past 2 years

Need for Affordable Housing

  • be living in rental housing that is unsuitable (overcrowding, unsafe environment, unhealthy or unaffordable)

  • have children under the age of 18 that will benefit from a safe and decent home

Willingness to Partner

  • contribute 500 hours of volunteer work, called Service Hours

  • must be Canadian or permanent residents (for a minimum of 3 years) and residents of Greater Vancouver area (for at least 3 years)

 
 

The Process

  1. Complete our Pre-Screening Form. Once you have submitted your form, you will receive an automatic response indicating that your form has been received. If any information is unclear, you may receive an email requesting clarification or additional information from the Director of Family Services.

  2. If criteria met, families will be invited to a Partner Family Information Session. Virtual Information Sessions take place every month in the evenings and applicants and co-applicants must attend. Following the information session, all attendees will receive an electronic copy of the application instructions and application form.

  3. Interested families will complete an Application Form and return it via in person or courier to our Burnaby office. You have 4 weeks to complete the application form and provide the requested supporting documents.

  4. Application forms are reviewed by the Director of Family Services and requests for additional information may be made.

  5. Qualified families will be invited to a Family Interview with members of our Partner Family and as applicable, an interview in your home will be requested.

  6. Selected families will complete 25 hours of volunteer time as their last step to approval.

  7. Once complete, families will start their 500 hours of service.

 

Helpful Information 

  • Be sure that you meet the eligibility criteria before completing your Pre-Screening Form. 

  • Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. The best way is through email to: familyservices@habitatgv.ca. 

  • Be sure to submit a completed application with all required supporting documents.  

  • The process can take time! From the time you submit your form to being selected for a home usually takes between 4 and 6 months.