Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program

What is Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, administered by Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.

• Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area partners with income-qualified families in Dauphin County to provide affordable homeownership through a 0% interest mortgage with affordable monthly payments. Buyers contribute 75-150 sweat-equity hours, complete a homeownership orientation and workshops, and commit to a 20-30 year mortgage. Selection is based on ability to repay, housing need, and willingness to partner.
• 0% interest mortgage.
• Affordable monthly payment.
• 20-30 year term.
• Homeownership orientation and financial education.
• Funding comes from Habitat affiliate; private donations; donated materials and labor; affordability subsidy.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale or transfer of property; mortgage terms govern; workout options available.
• The assistance is recorded in 1 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 the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program sets its income limit as follows: No published AMI chart; selection based on ability to repay an affordable mortgage, housing need, and willingness to partner. Sustainable income (wages, SSI, disability, retirement, pension) accepted.

• 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 Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

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

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program names buyers with disabilities among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

• The program targets specific areas: Dauphin County, PA.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, 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 homeowners workshop; online orientation video and quiz; financial education.

2. 2

   Contact Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider 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.