Becoming A Homeowner

Habitat was founded on the idea of partnership between low income working families motivated to build a better home and others from all walks of life with the willingness to share resources, skills, and time.

Habitat partners with families who meet 3 main criteria:

Need
Family Income must be between $25,000 and $53,000. Existing living conditions such as structural, cost, safety, family size are taken into consideration.

Willingness to Partner
Families must contribute a minimum of 500 volunteer hours towards building their home, others homes, or other Habitat projects.

Carry an Interest Free Mortgage with Habitat
Families must be able to afford all costs related to homeownership. back to top

The Process

• Information sessions are held periodically throughout the year as needed. Interested parties can get in touch with Habitat Saskatoon at 343.7772 to be put on the contact list to be notified of when the next information session will take place.
• After attending an information session families can complete an application form and return it to Habitat Saskatoon.
• When application is returned, it will be forwarded to the Family Selection Committee.
• After a thorough review of the applications, a family is put on a shortlist.
• Once all criteria are met, the family is selected for a Habitat Home.
• Note: This process can take from months to years depending on families ability to complete their commitment to Habitat. back to top

The Mortgages

• Habitat is the holder of the family’s interest free mortgage, based upon the cost of the home.
• Families make a monthly mortgage payment (includes principal and taxes) amortized at 25% - 30% of their income which allows them to spend money on necessities like groceries.
• Families are responsible for all other costs including insurance, utilities, and repairs.
• Habitat has first buyback options on the homes. back to top
• All donated funds go directly to building homes and serving families since the combined revenue from the ReStore and The Habitat Centre's office leases cover the administrative costs of Habitat Saskatoon

Benefits of a Habitat Home

The Community
Economically and esthetically improves area where home is built. Brings people from all walks of life together. Builds a sense of pride and dignity in helping a deserving family.

The Family
Less stress, more time for family activities.Builds a sense of community, accomplishment, stability and pride.

The Children
Health, physical safety and security imporve with home ownership and leads to the positive growth and development of children.

The Future
All Habitat Saskatoon homes are built to Energy Star standards, reducing the amount of energy the homes use, the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment and ultimately decreases the families' energy bills. Mortgage payments are reinvested back into the program, thus helping more families in the future.