Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) is excited to announce, that after a three-year pause, they will be accepting applications to purchase a home through their New Homeownership Program July 7th, 8th, and 9th. Applications can be completed online or a paper copy can be picked up from their office at 2447 East John St. during the application period. There will be a non-refundable $25 application fee.

If accepted into the program, the partner family will be purchasing a GMHFH home for the appraised value with an interest-free mortgage through GMHFH. In lieu of a down payment, partner families complete 250 “sweat-equity” hours volunteering on the construction of their home and in the Greater Matthews Habitat ReStore. To cover the financial costs of the home’s construction, GMHFH is looking to partner with local corporate, faith, and civic groups to serve as sponsors on this home.

“In a time where the housing market is booming for many, we know the dream of homeownership is simply out of reach for the majority of Americans. Habitat for Humanity plays a crucial role in ensuring hardworking families have access to homeownership opportunities,” says GMHFH President & CEO, Natisha Rivera-Patrick. “The effects of COVID have impacted every aspect of the market, driving construction costs to an all-time high. Now, more than ever, we need support from our community. We are actively seeking sponsors and volunteers to support our build efforts.”

To qualify for the program, applicants must be a resident of Matthews, Mint Hill, or Stallings for the past 12 months, have a need for a decent, affordable home (current housing situation is substandard, overcrowded, costs more than 30% of gross income, etc.), meets the HUD Median Income Requirements, and must be able to pay back an affordable mortgage.

The full list of qualifications and the list of necessary documentation to complete the application can now be found on the GMHFH website at gmhfh.org/apply. Greater Matthews Habitat is an Equal Housing Lender. The construction of the home is expected to begin this fall. Community members can support the GMHFH program and the construction of this home by donating at gmhfh.org/give. For information about home sponsorship, please email sarah@habitatmatthews.org.