A brighter future starts with a home

Thank you for your interest in partnering with Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County.

At Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Our program partners with individuals and families throughout the entire journey, from application and construction to receiving the keys. Along the way, we provide guidance and education on personal finances, mortgages, home maintenance, and more to ensure future homeowners are well prepared for succuss.

The path to homeownership with Habitat requires dedication, time, and effort, but it is a rewarding process that sets homeowners up for long-term stability.

Please note that while we strive to help as many families as possible, only a limited number of applicants can be accepted into our program.

Applications are now open and will be accepted from August 15th through August 29th.

Homeownership Program Eligibility

Habitat selects families based on need for housing, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with us. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

To apply, you must:
- Have lived or worked in South Sarasota County (Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, North Port, or the Sarasota County side of Englewood) for at least 12 months.
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien.
- If married, apply with your spouse.
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, including:
- At least two years of verifiable income and the ability to repay a mortgage.
- A household gross income within our income limits.
- A total debt-to-income ratio of 40% or less, including future mortgage payments.
- No foreclosures or bankruptcy within the past three years.
- No judgements, liens, or excessive outstanding debt.
- Proof of ineligibility for other government-assisted mortgage programs (e.g., Fannie Mae, USDA, VA loans, etc.).
Applicants must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing, such as:
- Currently living in substandard conditions, including:
  - Poor physical condition of home
  - Overcrowded living space
  - Subsidized housing
- Paying more than 30% of income on rent
- Do not currently own a home
Future homeowners play an active role in the program by:
- Contributing sweat equity hours by helping build their home and other Habitat projects.
- Attending Habitat homeowner training classes to prepare for homeownership.
- Paying $3,000 toward closing costs.

$60,300

$68,900

$77,500

$86,100

$93,000

$99,900

$106,800

$113,700

Family Size

Income Limits

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Minimum

$37,700

$43,050

$48,450

$53,800

$58,150

$62,450

$66,750

$71,050

Maximum

How to Apply for Homeownership

Step 1: Complete the Application Orientation

Learn about our program, expectations, and the path to homeownership.
The orientation is available online 24/7 so you can take it anytime to prepare.

Start Orientation
Step 2: Review the Program Qualifications

We select future homeowners based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.
To qualify, you must meet income limits, live or work in our service area, and more.

Review Criteria
Step 3: Submit Your Application During Open Enrollment

Applications are only accepted during open enrollment periods.
Be sure your application is 100% complete before submitting—it must include all required documents to be considered.

Apply Here

Education

Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County offers free, in-depth classes designed to empower our future and existing homeowners. These workshops cover essential topics like budgeting, home maintenance, insurance, and more - giving participants the tools and knowledge they need for long-term succuss as homeowners.

See our Classes