How the Family Selection Process Works

1) Attend an information session

2) Take an application package, fill in the information and gather the following paperwork:

a) A copy of tax returns for the past 5 years (Line 150)

b) Proof of income earned to date for the current year (pay stubs)

c) Verification of child support, spousal support payments (if applicable)

d) Child Tax Benefits Statements

e) CPP Benefit Statement (if applicable)

f) Verification of disability pension income (if applicable)

g) Proof of legal separation/divorce (if applicable)

h) Verification of current housing costs, including utilities such as gas and hydro

i) Three completed "Release of Information" forms: employer, landlord, and financial institution

j) Three completed personal reference forms, at least one of which must be from an individual who can speak to community involvement

3) At the information session, applicants are given a deadline (usually 4 weeks) by which all paperwork needs to have been gathered and an office appointment date set.

4) After the deadline date for receiving applications is reached:

a) The Partner Family Committee reviews all files to decide if the family meets the eligibility criteria

b) The first home interview is schedule. Two committee members will visit the home to complete a questionnaire and conduct an inspection of present living conditions

c) At the second Committee meeting, data gather at all home interviews is reviewed and decisions are made to deny, defer or continue with the application

d) A second home interview is conducted by 2 different committee members. At this time the applicant is required to provide a police check and a copy of their credit report. These items must be provided to the Partner Family Coordinator before the applicant file is presented to the Board of Directors

e) Again, the committee reviews the data gather at the second interview and a decision is made to deny, defer or continue

f) If continuing, the file is presented at the next meeting of the Board of Directors. Two committee members attend to answer any questions

g) If the Board accepts the recommendations of the Partner Family Committee, the family is considered to be QUALIFIED for possible partnership with Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region

5) The family meets with the Partner Family Coordinator to sign a Qualified Agreement, which indicates their acceptance into the program and includes the commitment to begin working the volunteer hours - the Sweat Equity, in place of a down payment, that is required by all partnering families

How long does it take?

The application and selection process can take from three months to one year. If you are selected, it can take another 18 months before the build begins and you move into your new home.

Important Note

There are no guarantees that a family who reaches the qualification stage will actually proceed to homeownership. Many events can occur that could potentially end the partnership.