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New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in New Orleans, Louisiana, administered by New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

Last verified Source: New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity

The program asks for

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: No specific score; any bankruptcy must be discharged at least 2 years with demonstrated improved credit, and applicant must have less than $2,000 in past-due debt.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through NOAHH homeownership/financial education as part of the partner-family process.
  • A home in Orleans Parish

It doesn’t cover

  • Manufactured homes
  • Homes outside Orleans Parish

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

Where it applies

Orleans Parish’s homes

  • 46% single-family
  • 9.9% townhouse
  • 22.8% 2–4 units
  • 20.8% 5+ units
  • 0.5% mobile & other

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

$315,700

Orleans Parish median home value

73.7%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Orleans Parish

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through NOAHH homeownership/financial education as part of the partner-family process..

  2. Contact New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Application via Family Services Department; selected applicants become 'partner families' and complete sweat-equity hours before selecting a lot/home., 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 New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program?

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in New Orleans, Louisiana, administered by New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) offers an affordable homeownership program for income-qualified families in housing need. Selected 'partner families' complete 250 hours of sweat equity (in place of a cash down payment), homeownership education, and purchase a Habitat-built/renovated home with an affordable mortgage whose monthly payment never exceeds 30% of household income. Qualification is based on housing need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner rather than first-time-buyer status. No cash down payment (250 sweat-equity hours instead). Affordable mortgage capped at 30% of monthly income. Homeownership education and partnership support. Serves families who cannot obtain conventional financing. Habitat-built quality homes. Funding comes from Nonprofit (Habitat for Humanity affiliate) - donations, volunteer labor, and affordable mortgage financing.

Do you have to pay it back?

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Repayment is triggered by Homebuyer purchases the Habitat-built home with an affordable mortgage held/serviced by NOAHH; monthly payment never exceeds 30% of monthly income. Down payment is replaced by required sweat-equity volunteer hours rather than cash. 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?

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. On credit, the program states: No specific score; any bankruptcy must be discharged at least 2 years with demonstrated improved credit, and applicant must have less than $2,000 in past-due debt. A homebuyer education course is required, through NOAHH homeownership/financial education as part of the partner-family process.

What are the income limits?

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program sets its income limit as follows: Minimum income roughly $3,145/month ($37,740/yr before taxes) for a one-person household; maximum income depends on household size (set against AMI). At least two years of stable income required. 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?

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in New Orleans, Louisiana.

How do you apply?

Applications for New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program go through New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Application via Family Services Department; selected applicants become 'partner families' and complete sweat-equity hours before selecting a lot/home. 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 New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.