Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

What is Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program?

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Cleveland, Ohio, administered by Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity.

• Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity provides coaching, education, and support enabling income-qualified first-time buyers to purchase a Habitat-built or rehabilitated home with an affordable mortgage (payment up to 30% of income). Applicants must demonstrate housing need, ability to pay, and willingness to invest 200-250 sweat-equity hours. As of verification, GCHFH is accepting applications for homes in the City of Cleveland and City of Lorain.
• Affordable 0% interest mortgage with payment capped at 30% of income.
• Coaching and homebuyer education.
• Sweat-equity homeownership.
• New construction, rehab, and modular options.
• Funding comes from Habitat affordable-mortgage revolving fund, donations, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Land Bank, Rocket, corporate/foundation sponsors.

Do you have to pay it back?

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity.

• Repayment is triggered by Due on sale or transfer.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity 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?

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

• Total monthly gross household income (all members over 18) must fall within min/max by household size. Monthly max: 1 $4,900; 2 $5,600; 3 $6,300; 4 $7,000; 5 $7,560; 6 $8,120; 7 $8,680; 8 $9,240; 9 $9,800; 10 $10,360. Food stamps, OWF, WEP not counted.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 10.
• 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?

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Cleveland, Ohio.

• The program targets specific areas: City of Cleveland and City of Lorain (current build areas); 400 Home Initiative.

How do you apply?

Applications for Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program go through Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, 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 Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity (homeownership classes/coaching).

2. 2

   Contact Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Online pre-qualification application; team follows up within 30 days; then comprehensive application & verification, 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.