Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program

What is Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, administered by Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt.

• Habitat affiliate serving the Pine Belt region (Forrest, Jones, Lamar, Marion Counties) provides newly constructed homes via 0%-interest mortgage to families with incomes between 30%–60% of AMI with DTI not exceeding 40%. Attendance at an orientation session is required to receive an application — not publicly distributed otherwise. 2026 orientations were held in February 2026 at Hub City Bingo Hall, Hattiesburg. Children may not attend orientations. Home visit required to verify housing need. 73+ homes built to date.
• 0%-interest mortgage; new construction home; builds pride through sweat equity participation; serves four-county Pine Belt region.
• Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity affiliate fundraising, donations, ReStore proceeds.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt.

• 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 the Pine Belt Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program limits household income to 60% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• 30%–60% of HUD Area Median Income; both a floor and ceiling apply.
• 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 the Pine Belt Homeownership Program caps the purchase price as follows: Habitat-built home; purchase price set by affiliate as affordable 0%-interest mortgage.

• Eligible property types include single_family.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

• The program targets specific areas: Forrest, Jones, Lamar, and Marion Counties.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt orientation (required, approx. 1 hour).

2. 2

   Contact Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through orientation_required, and are subject to availability.

3. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.