Download PDF of pre-application form and info sheet here.

Do you rent, live in a mobile home or reside in non-permanent housing? That’s the first step towards a Habitat house. Read the information below or on the pre-application form to find out more.

A common misperception is that we give away homes. Successful applicants will help build their new home, and will pay back the expenses with an interest-free loan.

Note we are not an “emergency” housing agency. It usually takes a year or two before becoming a new Habitat homeowner. If you need immediate help contact the Salvation Army 217.245.7124 for assistance or to find another agency that offers help.

Homeowner Timeline

1. 1)To begin the process, the prospective homeowner should fill out a pre-application form (download by clicking link at top of page).
   

2. 2)If quick check shows the prospective homeowner is close to qualifying, they will be asked to fill out a full application. A credit report and other background work will be completed.
   

3. 3)Representative of the family selection committee will schedule a home visit of the individual’s current quarters to review living conditions. Volunteers will look over the application with the homeowner to answer any questions.
   

4. 4)The family selection committee will determine a need for housing and the ability to pay for expenses and maintenance of the home. The prospective homeowner will be contacted to inform them whether or not they have been accepted into the homeownership program.
   

5. 5)Once in the program, potential homeowners will be contacted when a house is ready for planning and construction. They will help design the house, and complete 250 hours of “sweat equity” by helping with construction or performing other volunteer work.
   

6. 6)Once the sweat equity hours are complete, the family will be able to move in and become a proud Habitat homeowner!
   

The information below is the same as on page 2 of the pre-application form.

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Jubilee Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit, Christian ministry that builds homes in partnership with low-income families. Volunteers join partner families in building their homes. Families repay Habitat by making monthly payments on a zero-interest loan. Jubilee Habitat for Humanity makes no profit.

Who qualifies for a habitat home?

Successful applicants for home must:

1) Have a problem with their current housing such as overcrowding, housing in bad condition, unsafe neighborhood, etc.

2) Have been unable to secure and/or maintain a conventional mortgage.

3) Have a low, but steady, earned income.

4) Be willing to work on their own home as well as on other Habitat projects.

5) Have the ability to repay Habitat for the cost of the home by means of monthly mortgage payments.

6) Before a final application can be considered, you must volunteer eight hours per adult.

7) Before taking ownership of your home, you must volunteer a total of 250 hours per adult.

Financial qualifications

Family size Monthly gross income range

   1$1,200 - $2,150

   2$1,300 - $2,450

   3$1,400 - $2,750

   4$1,500 - $3,050

   5$1,600 - $3,300

   6$1,700 - $3,550

each additional add $100 to bottom, $250 to top of range

Income includes Social Security, Disability, Child Support, Alimony, Wages, Earned Income Tax Credit, & any other income for all wage earners. Above are just guidelines. Families falling outside of these income requirements may still be eligible. If you are close to the guidelines, please still apply!

We help you help yourself

Jubilee Habitat for Humanity offers a hand up, not a hand out. Families are expected to work alongside other volunteers in planning and building. Potential homeowners are paired with individuals who will assist with budgeting, maintenance, and other aspects of home ownership.

What does a habitat house cost?

Monthly payments are around $490.

The average home costs between $50,000-$70,000. Monthly mortgage payments are between $225-$275. Owners pay property taxes and insurance, about $125-$175. The monthly payment will not exceed 30% of gross family income. Mortgages are based on the actual cost of the home, and no interest is collected. Payment schedules are geared to the needs of the homeowner, and range between 20 and 30 years.

How long will it take to get a house?

The length of time depends on the speed with which applicants complete sweat equity hours, the number of applicants, the relative needs of those in our applicant pool, the number of volunteers available for construction, and other factors.

What is the next step?

If you’re interested and think you qualify, fill out a pre-application screening form (link top of page). Email Family Selection Chair Kathy Turner with questions. The next step after pre-application is getting more details, and you need to earn 8 hours of sweat equity/volunteering before a final application is considered by the Selection Committee. Please note any sweat equity volunteer hours do not guarantee your selection as a Habitat homeowner.

Jubilee Habitat for Humanity

The local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International has been active since 1992 in the Jacksonville area. Jubilee Habitat for Humanity is Christian but not affiliated with any denomination. We do business in accordance with the federal fair housing laws. Race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin and social and economic status have no bearing on home ownership.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure home, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18

Information subject to change.

Jubilee Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 414, Jacksonville, IL 62651