Habitat’s 5 Step Application Process
There is a 5 step process to apply for a Habitat House. This process typically takes several months, Â and the more prompt, as well as thorough you are about completing and returning paper work, and answering any questions asked by our staff, the quicker your application will be processed. If you are having an immediate housing emergency check our resource page for a list of other local agencies that may be able to help.
The #1 reason people are not accepted as Habitat families is because they do not complete the application. You can not win if you do not play, apply today!
1. Submit a Pre-application
To start the application process please fill out a pre-application. The pre-application is free and helps us determine if you meet our minimum qualifications. There are several ways to submit a pre-application:
- Submit an application on-line here (this is the fastest!)
- Download and mail or hand deliver a pre-application to our office.
- Pick-up a pre-application in person from our Office or various locations around Twin Falls.
Once you have submitted a pre-application our office staff evaluates the application to check if you meet our minimum qualifications. If you do we will mail you a full application. Which leads us to step 2…
2. Fill out and Submit a Full Application
Our full application asks in-depth questions about your current financial situation and your financial history. It also gives you a chance to let the Family Selection Committee know more about your present situation, why you need a Habitat House and why you would be a good partner with Habitat. There is a $25 fee required with the full application that we use to cover processing expenses such as postage and doing a full credit check. Don’t worry if you have poor credit, we accept many applicants with poor credit. After you have filled out the application you need to contact our office and make an appointment to hand deliver the application. We do this so that someone on our family selection committee will go over your application to make sure you have filled it out completely and have included all the documentation needed.
3. Application is Reviewed by the Family Selection Committee
Once we have received your full application and the $25 processing fee, the application is again received by the Family Selection Committee. They read over the application, and review your supporting documentation. The Committee does credit and criminal background checks. Having poor credit or past criminal convictions does not automatically exclude you from the program – but we need to know, so please be up front about your past. The Selection Committee also contacts your current employer and landlord for references. The Family Selection Committee is made up of volunteers, so this process can take some time – be patient!
4. Home Visit and Interview
One of the final steps in the application process is a home visit and interview by members of the Family Selection Committee. This visit is to review your current living conditions, to clarify any remaining questions about your application, and to answer your questions about the Habitat program. The Family Selection Committee will also interview you and your family to determine if you will be good representatives for Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley.
5. Board of Directors’ Approval
The final step in the process is for the Family Selection Committee to make a recommendation on your application to the Habitat Board of Directors who vote on whether to accept your application. Once the Board has approved your application, you will be notified by us by mail. Be patient, the Board only meets once a month and is made up entirely of volunteers. After you have been approved you need to start working to complete the 300 to 500 hours of “Sweat Equity” required to move into your Habitat House.
The Importance of Patience
Applying for and getting a Habitat House is not a fast process, but it is a permanent solution. The application process itself takes time, often several months. Once your application is approved, it takes quite some time before your Habitat home is completed. Delays in getting into a Habitat home inevitably occur and can be caused by credit issues, home inspections, volunteer schedules, and fluctuating donations among other things. Habitat depends heavily on donated time and money; construction or remodeling often takes longer than hoped and unexpected problems can occur; patience is required.
Questions?
If you have any questions please look through the answers to some frequently asked questions.
