Residency: Lake County resident for past 24 months and Legal U.S Resident

Need for Improved Housing: Current housing is inadequate or unsafe

Ability to Pay: Sufficient income for family size to meet HUD guidelines as noted on the applicant meeting flyer available at the top of this page or at the Homebuyer Information Meetings. Bankruptcy discharged at least 2 years ago

Willing to Partner: Complete 500 hours of sweat equity in weekly Habitat financial literacy classes, monthly budget sessions, volunteering at our ReStore and building or rehabbing homes

Attend Homebuyer Application Meeting: Spring or Fall to receive an application. See a copy of the Sample Homebuyer Application here

Submit Application and Documents: Credit Report Authorization, Pay Stubs, Tax Returns, W-2s, proof of other income and more

Submit Additional documents: If requested send bills, bank statements, ID and more documents

Complete References: Assist in Landlord and Employer Reference

Home Visit: Welcome Habitat staff in your home

Recommendation: Family Services Committee recommends you for approval by Board of Directors

Education Program: Complete all 30+ classes

Budget Program: Attend monthly sessions with counselor, reduce debt, increase credit score, establish bank account

Sweat Equity: Complete 500 hours at our ReStore in Gurnee and by building and rehabbing houses

Accept assigned address and type of house: Cities vary and house may be new or rehab

Complete house purchase application process: Prior to closing resubmit income documents, credit report authorization, and additional documents

Purchase home: Closing at Habitat office

It may take one year for you to complete the process and move into your home.

To encourage effective home ownership, we provide additional programs to help Partner Families grow

Gardening Together

Classes: Landscape design, plant choices, yard tools, photos and ideas

Spring Work Day: Donated plants and some tools

Mentors: Volunteer gardener supports each family in designing and maintaining their yard

Yard of the Month Program: Awards monthly to homeowners

Fall Work Day: Putting Your Garden to Bed by pulling out plants, preparing for winter

Will and Estate Planning - The Lake County Bar Association facilitates this program.

Class: Preparing to create your Will; Executor, Guardian, Power of Attorney

Will Writing: 1 hour session with pro bono attorney to prepare Will and Power of Attorney for Health Care and Power of Attorney for Property