The family selection application process is now underway for the possibility of two units, zero lot line.  Flyers were posted around Corvallis and notifications to known interested persons were mailed March 26, 2008.  Prospective families must meet income guidelines, have a need for adequate shelter, have the financial stability to pay for a mortgage, have been Benton County residents for at least a year, have verification of permanent residency and be willing to partner with Benton Habitat by dedicating time and "sweat equity."   Four orientation workshops were held during the week of April 21, 2008, where applications were given to qualifying families. The applications are due by May 19, 2008.  

The foundation has now been poured for the Lewisburg home located at 5823 NW Village Green Place, Corvallis (just west of Hwy 99W off Lewisburg Rd).  We will soon need volunteers for the construction site.  Please check back for updates.  We are also in the design and planning stages for Hilltop Village.  

When selection reopens for Hilltop Village, families will be considered for a Habitat home based upon: NEED, FINANCIAL STATUS, WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER and RESIDENCY.

Need is defined by inadequate housing due to structural, health or safety issues in current housing, overcrowding, or family cost burden where family is spending more than 30% of their income on housing.  The inability to obtain adequate housing through conventional means is also factored in.  The number, ages and genders of the members of a household will be considered in comparison to their present number of bedrooms according to HUD quidelines.

Financial Status Criteria mandates that the family must be able to afford the housing and have proper financial stability to maintain payments. Habitat families fall within 25% - 50% range of the HUD median income levels for Benton County, Oregon.  (See chart below.) Applicants must verify the percentage of their monthly income currently spent on housing.  Applicants are required to openly and fully discuss their financial situation with Habitat personnel.

Willingness to Partner means that we look for families who will make good partners.  Families who are timely in the application process, willing to take home ownership and financial fitness classes, honor their repayment contracts, accept the requirements for sweat equity and down payments,  and strive to create healthy families, be good neighbors and help create a healthy community.

Residency. Applicants must also confirm Benton County residency of at least 1 year and verify citizenship or permanent residency through documentation.

Monthly Income Guidelines for 2008- 2009

Family Size	25% Median	50% Median
One	$994	$1,988
Two	$1,136	$2,271
Three	$1,277	$2,554
Four	$1,419	$2,837
Five	$1,531	$3,062
Six	$1,646	$3,291
Seven	$1,758	$3,516
Eight	$1,873	$3,745

If you would like to learn more about homeownership, please complete the online interest form.  If you require more immediate housing assistance, please see Other Local Assistance Programs.