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.

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.

Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt 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: Not published; must demonstrate ability to repay affordable mortgage. A homebuyer education course is required, through Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt orientation (required, approx. 1 hour). Residency requirement: Must live or work in Forrest, Jones, Lamar, or Marion County. MUST attend orientation to receive application. 2026 orientations held Feb 23–28, 2026 at Hub City Bingo Hall, 215 Broadway Drive Suite 70, Hattiesburg. Call 601-582-4663 to register in advance. Children may not attend. Income must be 30%–60% AMI. DTI cannot exceed 40%. Must live or work in Forrest, Jones, Lamar, or Marion County. Must provide photo ID, proof of housing need, and proof of monthly income at orientation.

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.

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.

Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The program targets specific areas: Forrest, Jones, Lamar, and Marion Counties.

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. Funds are reserved through orientation_required. 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.