By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Habitat for Humanity seeking applicants for Hoisington home
new_lgp_habitatapslogo.jpg

HOISINGTON — Habitat for Humanity of the Barton County Area recently announced it is accepting applications from persons looking to partner and own their own home in Hoisington. The open application period ends May 15. Interested applicants may request an application by contacting the local organization via email, habitatbartoncounty@hotmail.com, by phone, 620-792-1232, or by messaging the Facebook page @BartonCountyHabitat.

Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 15. Applications can be returned via email, mailed or delivered in-person to: Habitat for Humanity: Barton County, 3600 Broadway Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Habitat for Humanity has been in Barton County since 2001. The nonprofit organization gives a hand up, not a hand out. All of the donations received are used to build or remodel homes for partner families, who then purchase the home through a zero-interest, 25-year mortgage. The houses cost less because they are built with volunteer labor and donated materials, and because the partner families do not pay interest, home ownership is much more affordable than in the private market. In addition, the funds collected in mortgage payments can be reused to help another family in Barton County.

The organization aims to do one build or rehabilitation project each year. Partner families need to meet three basic requirements:

• They have to be willing to partner. Families have to put in 400 sweat equity hours on their home and complete a financial counseling series of classes.

• They have to have the ability to repay. The family must display a steady source of income adequate to make consistent mortgage payments, just like they would in a regular bank loan. Eligible applicants should have an income of 50-80 percent of the median income for Barton County, which is $61,700. For a family of four, this income range is $30,844 to $49,350.

• They have to be in need of affordable housing. The family has to have a need of some sort, whether it is because they are in an unsafe living environment or because their current situation is too expensive.