How to Become a Homeowner

We are not accepting any new applications for new homeowners at this time. However, if you would like to be added to the contact list to be notified when we are accepting new applications, please call our office at 601-582-HOME (4663).

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity does not build houses FOR families; we facilitate a partnership among families who demonstrate need, the ability to pay the mortgage, and a willingness to partner in the construction of their home. This partnership also engages community supporters who join the families in the home building process and provide both financial and in-kind support for building supplies and materials. Homeowners invest a minimum of 450 hours of their own labor, or “sweat equity,” into building their Habitat house and they pay back a no-profit, no-interest mortgage over 20 years.

Click here to download the qualifications for homeownership.

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity empowers people who qualify to build and buy their own homes.

Selected families commit to 450 hours of \"sweat equity,\" a reasonable down payment, personal finance workshops, education on home safety, and monthly mortgage payments set at no more than 30% of household income.

Eligible applicants must

• live or work in Forrest or Lamar County
• have a stable income
• be able to pay modest monthly mortgage payments
• demonstrate that current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing

Selected families provide a $1,000 toward closing costs and enter an affordable 20-year mortgage.