Thank you for your interest in partnering with Habitat for Humanity Okanagan.
I’m partnering? Yes! Habitat for Humanity Okanagan works with families to help them achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. The path to homeownership requires time and dedication, but this helps ensure the long-term success of the families.
Do people get free homes? No. Homeowners make regular payments to their mortgage and are responsible for the maintenance of their home, as all homeowners are. A Habitat mortgage differs from a traditional mortgage in that payments are set at a maximum of 30% of gross household income. As your income changes, so will your payments.
There must be a need for adequate housing. Things we consider include unaffordable rent, overcrowding, housing issues that affect the wellbeing, health, or safety of the family.
Applicants must have guardianship and primary care (50% custody) of at least one child under the age of 16, or an older child incapable of living on their own. The custodial parent does not have to be the biological parent.
Applicants must have a steady, reliable source of income. Temporary social assistance (e.g. employment insurance) may be included but it is not acceptable if it is the only source of income. The family must have a demonstrated work history. In order to be able to offer Habitat-model mortgages, we have conditions in place that will ensure your income can support a regular mortgage payment. Mortgage payments are set to 30% of your gross income. This payment includes principal and property taxes. Successful candidates should have an income range as listed here:
Kelowna/Lake Country: $47,500 - $71,500 Vernon/Lumby: $40,000 - $47,500 These amounts are based on the BC Housing Income Limits (HILs).
There must be a willingness to partner with Habitat Okanagan. You must be willing to complete 500 volunteer hours. There are many ways to complete your volunteer hours, such as: assisting on the build site, in the ReStore, in the office – just to name a few. We work with families to help them find ways to complete their volunteer hours.
Please submit the following expression of interest form. Upon receiving the form, the homeowner services department will be in touch within a maximum of three weeks’ time.