Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa works with hardworking families who have the ability to pay a low cost, 0% interest mortgage, but do not qualify for conventional financing from a bank. The average mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, is $325 - $425 per month.  This is made possible by dedicated volunteers and donors who contribute to Habitat.

Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa  is committed to following The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Law, and The Consumer Credit Protection Act. Habitat does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or national origin or because all or part of the applicant's income is derived from public assistance programs. To qualify for a Habitat home, the following criteria are considered:

Residency Status

• You have lived or worked in Tuscaloosa County for at least 6 months.

• You are a United States Citizen or legal resident.

Need for Decent Housing

Your current housing in not adequate for any of the following reasons:

• Your current housing is unsafe, overcrowded, or not accessible by all members of your household.
• Your rent is more than 30% of your income.
• Your are living in temporary housing, with family or friends, or in a FEMA trailer.
• Your home was damaged or destroyed by the tornado on 4/27/11.

Ability to Pay

You have the ability to pay a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of up to $425. This payment should not exceed 30% of your monthly gross income.  

• You have a stable income that is within the guidelines below. 
• You have a satisfactory credit history. Habitat does not expect perfect credit, but considers your total debt obligation and how you have used credit in the past to determine your ability to pay for a Habitat home. If you would like to check your credit prior to applying, a free copy of your credit report can be obtained each year from www.annualcreditreport.com or by contacting them by phone at 1-877-322-8228.
• Your current debts, including car payments, credit cards, student loans, etc. will be considered in determining if you can afford to buy a home.
• You may be asked to clear any judgments, liens or bankruptcies prior to acceptance. 
• Your total household income must be within the range on this table.

Willingness to Partner With Habitat

You will be asked to invest "sweat equity" as part of Habitat's homeownership program. Sweat equity consists of volunteering on Habitat construction sites, in our Restore, and attending homeowner education classes.

• Families with one adult in the household are required to complete a minimum of 250 hours. Families with 2 or more adults are required to complete at least 350 hours.
• You will also be asked to save an affordable amount for closing costs.

How to Apply

The first step in the application process is to attend a Pre-Homeownership Workshop. These workshops are held monthly, typically the first Tuesday of every month. We are currently meeting at the Tuscaloosa Public Library. Workshops will begin at 5:30 p.m. and doors will be closed at 5:30 p.m. In order to receive an application, you MUST attend the workshop. At the end of the workshop, you will receive an application and 3 inserts to complete. These items must be returned by mail or in person within 1 week.

We ask that you not bring food. We do not provide child care so; please do not bring children since they can be a distraction to you and others. You can only get an application by attending a workshop.

The workshop will last about an hour. We will explain our policies and procedures and at the end, we will open the floor for questions.

How to Contact Us

In Person:  1120 35th Street, Suite B, Tuscaloosa, AL

By phone:  (205) 349-4920

By email:    jamie@habitattuscaloosa.org