Homeownership | Habitat For Humanity of Franklin County

Helping Families Become Homeowners

Decent. Affordable. Attainable.

Habitat for Humanity builds decent and affordable homes around the world in partnership with families in need of a decent place to live.

Homeownership Qualifications and Requirements

The following is a brief overview of the qualifications for our program and is provided for informational purposes only.

Qualifications

Lived and/or worked in Franklin County for at least 1 year.
Current living conditions are sub-standard.
Have never owned property before.
Can provide proof of reliable income.
Annual income falls within HUD’s Pennsylvania limits.
Willing to partner with Habitat For Humanity by contributing a minimum of 250 hours (200 for single individuals) of “sweat equity” in house construction or other approved activities.

Requirements

Once applications are open, the following needs to be provided:

Proof of steady, reliable income as required.
Present and previous landlord information: Name, address, and telephone number.
Business references: Name, address, and telephone number.
Copies of your last two checking and savings account statements.
Copies of your two most recent paychecks.
Copies of your two most recent income tax returns.
List of all current monthly expenses, including rent, electricity, child care, food, etc.
Name of all creditors, amount owed to each, and monthly payment amount.
Check or money order to cover the cost of a credit/background check ($25.00 for individuals / $50.00 for families).

2024 HFHFC Income Requirements

Applicants must have a steady annual income within the limits set by HUD annually for Pennsylvania.

Family Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Minimum
$19,500
$22,250
$25,820
$31,200
$36,580
$41,960
$47,340
$52,720

Maximum
$51,950
$59,350
$66,750
$74,150
$80,100
$86,050
$91,950
$97,900

Income Calculator

Enter the total monthly gross income for your household below to see if you meet the income guidelines for consideration.

Applications are currently open for our Waynesboro home ONLY

Please call 717-267-1899 or stop in at the Habitat office during open hours to speak to Habitat personnel regarding applying or to pick up an application packet. This application will only apply to our current rehab home on 231 Highland Avenue in Waynesboro, PA.

We expect the application period for other locations to remain closed until early 2025.

Frequently Asked Homeownership Questions

What is "Sweat Equity"?

Sweat equity is the process by which families help build their homes and communities.

Each family is required to put in a minimum of 200 hours toward the building of their homes and their neighbors’ homes. At least 100 hours of this time is spent in construction. Other hours of this time may include homeowner education and financial training.

While extended family and friends are encouraged to help along with the homeowner family, there is a minimum amount of hours the family itself will need to perform.

What kind of work might Sweat Equity include?

You may be asked to do a number of various things, such as:

Construction work, attending educational programs and training sessions provided by HFHFC, or assisting at the ReStore.

How much does a Habitat Home cost?

Habitat’s goal is affordable housing and we work with each qualified family on an individual basis to meet their specific needs.

Many items contribute to the cost of a home and factor into determining a Habitat homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment, such as income, real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance.

Homeowners pay a modest down payment amount and will receive an affordable mortgage. As homeowners make their mortgage payments, the money is reinvested in building or rehabbing homes for future Habitat families.

What types of houses does HFHFC build?

New HFHFC homes are typically 1-story 3-bedroom ranch-style homes and are normally around 1200 sq feet.

We build homes that match well with the neighboring houses. Consideration is given to any unique dynamics that homeowners may need.

I have other questions

Ask away!

Don’t hesitate to contact our team at 717-267-1899 or info@habitatfranklinpa.org if you’d like more information about anything you see (or don’t see) here.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Location
1502 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Phone
717-267-1899
Hours
Mon-Thurs: 9am – 2pm
(others by appointment only)

CLOSED NOVEMBER 28 FOR THANKSGIVING

Location
1662 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Phone
717-491-1156
Store Hours
Wed – Fri: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Sun-Tue: CLOSED

CLOSED NOVEMBER 28 – 30 FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO ENJOY THANKSGIVING WITH THEIR FAMILIES

We will reopen again for our regular business hours on Wednesday, December 4