Selection Process

Partner Family Selection Process

Every family that wishes to become a Habitat homeowner must submit an application and go through the homeowner selection process. Families must have 1) need for adequate housing, 2) must have the ability to pay a mortgage, and 3) must be willing to partner. 

1. Need for Housing

You may be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through conventional means.

Lack of adequate housing may include these problems:

• the structure of the building
• faulty water, electrical or sewage service systems
• faulty heating system
• hazardous substances
• failure to meet city property maintenance standards

You may also meet the need for housing qualification if you are living in an overcrowded or un-affordable situation. If you are living in subsidized or transitional housing, such as Section 8, you may qualify.

2. Ability to Pay

Since you will be purchasing your home through an affordable Habitat mortgage, you must demonstrate an ability to make a monthly payment. This monthly payment includes mortgage, property taxes, and insurance. 

Your annual income must fall within the range below based on your family’s size. You must have at least six months of stable income and your debt-to-income ratio may not exceed 43%. We do include non-work-related income, such as child support, Social Security, etc., provided you will receive that income for the next two years.

The income levels shown were calculated using the median income levels as determined by H.U.D. for the Dayton, Ohio Metro area, including Clark, Greene, and Montgomery Counties, effective May 2026. Numbers are subject to change. 

Families must earn between 30% and 60% of the median income for the Dayton area in order to qualify for the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton housing program.  Please keep in mind that this chart is used as a guideline only.  Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis.

*Please note the minimum income represents 30% of the median income, and the maximum income represents 60% of the median income.

3. Willingness to Partner

Becoming a Habitat homeowner is a partnership with many responsibilities and expectations for each homebuyer. At Habitat, we often say we give away nothing to our homebuyers, but an opportunity. To be considered for a Habitat home you must be willing to earn “sweat equity” hours. You earn sweat equity hours by working to help in building your home and the homes of others, working in the Habitat ReStores or other approved activities. In addition, you earn hours by attending required home-buying classes and Habitat events. Each adult in your household is responsible for 275 hours of sweat equity.

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