Question 1

Qualifications Overview

Accepted Answer

Are you unable to obtain a conventional home loan?

Have you been a Daviess County resident for at least one (1) year?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. All applicants must provide valid and official documentation of residency in the U.S. The following documents are considered acceptable proof:
U.S. Passport
Permanent Resident Card
Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Or, two U.S. State Documents, such as U.S. Driver’s License and certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate

Do you have a housing need?

Are you able to make monthly mortgage payments, including insurance and taxes (ability to pay)?

Are you willing to partner with us to help build your new home?

Do you meet the income limits listed in the Income Eligibility Section below?
Total gross income includes each adult living in the household.
Income should be calculated from all documented wages, SSI, SSDI, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, and child support

Question 2

Income Requirements

Accepted Answer

Total gross income includes each adult living in the household. Income should be calculated from all documented wages, SSI, SSDI, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, and child support.

2026 Owensboro Daviess County Income Guidelines 
Owensboro, KY MSA

Question 3

Need for Housing

Accepted Answer

Examples of Housing Need
(This list is not all-inclusive.)

Structural or Mechanical Concerns
Visible holes, cracks, or signs of structural damage
Roof or plumbing leaks
Presence of hazardous or toxic materials
Electrical safety issues
Plumbing problems
Non-functioning or unsafe appliances

Overcrowded Living Conditions
Inadequate sleeping arrangements
More than two people sharing a bedroom
Children of different genders required to share a bedroom
Household members sleeping on floors or in non-bedroom areas

Unsafe or Unhealthy Environments
Insect or pest infestations
Rodent activity
Sewage or sanitation issues
Damaged or unsafe stairways
Environmental or allergy-related health concerns
Living in areas with high crime rates

Temporary or Transitional Housing Situations
Families currently living with relatives or friends due to lack of housing
Families residing in emergency shelters
Experiencing homelessness

Question 4

Ability to Pay

Accepted Answer

An applicant’s ability to pay is evaluated by our staff and Board of Directors using information provided during the application process.

Applicants must:
Have a steady and reliable source of income
Demonstrate financial responsibility with at least six (6) months of consistent employment or income history
Be able to afford a monthly house payment (including taxes and insurance) that falls between 20–30% of gross monthly income
Be able to cover estimated monthly utility costs, including electric, gas, water, and sewer
Not be involved in an active bankruptcy. Any prior bankruptcy must have been discharged for at least 24 months (2) years before applying

During the application process, we will review each applicant’s credit profile, including credit history, debt-to-income ratio, income stability, and payment patterns. Some applicants may be asked to address negative credit items before moving forward in the program.

For more information about our application process, please contact us at info@habitatowensboro.org

Question 5

Willingness to Partner

Accepted Answer

Sweat Equity
Partner families are asked to actively participate in the building of their future home and the homes of other Habitat families through what we call sweat equity.

Sweat equity hours may be completed by helping with construction, preparing building sites, painting, collecting aluminum, or participating in other approved Habitat activities.

Required sweat equity hours include:
We require a minimum of 350 per household 
A minimum of 100 construction hours per household

A portion of these hours may be completed by family members or friends who are approved to assist.

All required sweat equity hours must be completed before the family moves into their home.

In addition, partner families are required to participate in homeowner education and support workshops throughout the building process to help prepare for successful, long-term homeownership.

HOME STARTS WITH HOPE

Ready to take the next step toward affordable homeownership?

Qualifications Overview

Income Requirements

Need for Housing

Ability to Pay

Willingness to Partner

"A home is more than a place. It is a foundation for life." - Habitat for Humanity

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