This month marks the 35th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County creating affordable housing for low-income families in the community. To celebrate, Habitat is inviting community members in need of housing to complete applications, with plans to welcome a new group to the Homeownership Program this August.
The program is similar to going to the bank and filing for a loan for a home, according to local Habitat Executive Director Jeremy Stephens. However, he said there are plenty of differences.
After acceptance, applicants have to take classes that cover many aspects of owning a home, from finance and budgeting to furniture refinishing and cooking. Those who apply now through early August will be reviewed and placed into the next set of classes, which begin August 15.
Those in the program also have to complete 350 “sweat equity hours.” These hours require applicants to help build the houses — from hammering in nails to landscaping to installing windows and everything in between. Once they have completed 300 hours, applicants can pick out the property they want to live on (from a list provided by Habitat). They can then begin designing and building their house. While there are floor plans to choose from, there is some control the applicant has over how the interior of the home looks.
Stephens said that many people believe Habitat hands over a house to recipients without any work, but said that “couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“We stay connected with recipients and we check up on them once they move in,” said Stephens. “They pay off their mortgage for 20, 25, or 30 years. It’s a partnership to make sure they have everything they need to be successful.”
Applicant Tinisha McHenry joined the program in July of 2022 and went through many trials when she first started. She believed that it would be a simple program to receive a house, but has learned that it requires hard work.
“You don’t get anything handed to you,” McHenry said. “It’s rewarding at the same time because you end up having a forever home.”
McHenry wants potential applicants to know it’s a good way to build yourself as a person. McHenry is expecting her home to be finished at the end of this month.
The local Habitat recently closed on their 153rd home built in the community, and counting McHenry’s will complete five additional houses this summer.
“As we celebrate 35 years of helping the Owensboro and Daviess County area residents with affordable housing, we look back at all those who have contributed their time, talent, and treasures to help make this a success with such gratitude,” said Dr. David Danhauer, Habitat Board President. “We also look forward to the future in expanding our service to even more individuals to improve our entire community.”
Anyone interested in applying for the Habitat Homeownership Program can complete the qualification checklist and download the application at habitatowensboro.org or pick up a copy at their headquarters at 2930 West 4th Street.
