Local Families

 

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver accepts applications from hardworking families who would not normally qualify for a traditional mortgage but are ready for the responsibility and challenges of homeownership.

Through our model of a long-term lease, we are able to help low to middle income families save for their futures as a portion of their monthly payments is saved for them during their residency. When a family is financially stable and independent, these funds are returned to them to allow them to purchase a home in the traditional market. We have provided a hand up, broken the rental cycle and the family will now benefit from the appreciation of a home of their choosing after moving on from their Habitat home.

As a Habitat Family you are required to complete 500 hours of volunteer time in the building of your own or your new neighbours’ homes, or by helping out at Habitat events or assisting at a ReStore.

Habitat Families must...

  • Be working, able to pay their monthly payments and afford all financial commitments that come with homeownership. Monthly payments are calculated at 30% of Habitat Families' total household income and include employment income, disability income, a portion of child tax benefits, GST rebates and child support etc.

  • Be committed to completing 500 hours of volunteer time prior to moving into their Habitat homes

  • Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents (for a minimum of three years) and Greater Vancouver residents for at least three years

  • Not have an overwhelming amount of debt

  • Not have declared bankruptcy in the last two years

  • Have an annual household income between $35,000–$78,000

  • Have children under the age of 18 that will benefit from a safe, decent home

  • Be living in rental housing that is unsuitable. Examples include overcrowding, unsafe environment and lack of affordability etc.