How the Habitat Program Works

Habitat is not a “giveaway” program. Habitat is an assistance program that helps families become homeowners through hard work and dedication. Money is raised for the construction of each home through the efforts of Baylor and Waco Habitat. Upon completion, the homes are sold to the families at cost and financed with zero-interest, 20-year loans.

The families are selected based on three criteria:

• Need: The family must make less than 33% of the median income for Waco.
• Ability to Pay: The family must be able to pay the monthly mortgage payments. These payments are often less than the rent for a two-bedroom apartment.
• Willingness to Partner: The family must complete 300 hours of “sweat equity” work on either their home or the construction of other Habitat homes.