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Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Champaign, Illinois, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County.

Last verified Source: Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Steady income; no current/pending defaults, unpaid judgements or liens
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Habitat Champaign County classes; HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency on site
  • Must have genuine need for adequate housing. 300 sweat equity hours. 2026 application postmarked by June 16, 2026. Income dollar limits not published; contact agency.
  • A home in Champaign County

It doesn’t cover

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 60% of area median income
  • Homes outside Champaign County

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

60% of Champaign County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$114,300
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Champaign County’s homes

  • 52.3% single-family
  • 5.1% townhouse
  • 6.4% 2–4 units
  • 33.1% 5+ units
  • 3.1% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$211,500

Champaign County median home value

48.4%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Champaign County

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Habitat Champaign County classes; HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency on site.

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Annual application window; 2026 application postmark deadline June 16, 2026, and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Champaign, Illinois, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County. Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County partners with income-eligible families (30%-60% AMI) to build and purchase homes through a 0% interest mortgage capped at 30% of gross income. 300 sweat equity hours required. The 2026 application window is open with a postmark deadline of June 16, 2026. 0% interest mortgage. Payment capped at 30% of income. No cash down payment. HUD-approved housing counseling. ADA-compliant single-story homes. Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County private/nonprofit; United Way partnership.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County. Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or refinance. The assistance is recorded in first position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. On credit, the program states: Steady income; no current/pending defaults, unpaid judgements or liens. A homebuyer education course is required, through Habitat Champaign County classes; HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency on site. Must have genuine need for adequate housing. 300 sweat equity hours. 2026 application postmarked by June 16, 2026. Income dollar limits not published; contact agency.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program limits household income to 60% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program caps the purchase price as follows: Homes sold at affordable price; payment capped at 30% of gross monthly income. Eligible property types include Single Family. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Champaign, Illinois.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Annual application window; 2026 application postmark deadline June 16, 2026. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Program terms are set by Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.