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Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity (LLCHFH) is a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, without discrimination because of race, religion, sex, age and marital status.

Applications are evaluated on Need, Ability to Pay, Income Guidelines, and Willingness to Partner. The following criteria is used to determine eligibility for the LLCHFH program. Final family selection approval is the responsibility of the Lincoln/Lancaster Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. The number of applications approved is limited to the number of qualified applicants and the number of houses LLCHFH projects to build within the next year.
 
Need:     Need for an adequate shelter
The following factors are used to determine whether present housing of applicant is inadequate and whether there is a need Habitat can address:
A. Structural safety, integrity and mechanical function. Present physical dwelling can be considered inadequate if:

1.  Repairability

     a. Current shelter contains structural or safety problems.

     b. Current occupants are unable to readily make repairs.

     c. Current owner (landlord) is consistently unwilling to complete necessary repairs.

     d. Repairs cannot be made as documented by building inspection officials.

     e. Structural problems contribute to heat loss and allow snakes, mice, and rats to enter.

2.  Heating system and climate

     a. Heating system does not provide for healthful/comfortable living.

     b. A wood burning or kerosene heater is the primary source of heat.

     c. Insulation is not sufficient to maintain minimal comfort.

     d. Air infiltration at doors and windows, etc, cannot be stopped.

     e. Utility bill for primary heat source is excessive, per Selection Committee.

     f. Need for a special environment has developed that current home cannot be readily

         adapted for.

3.  Plumbing

     a. There is not a continuous supply of safe water.

     b. There is not a safe/sanitary method of sewage disposal.

     c. Sewer or drains back up into residence.

4.  Electrical

     a. Supply is not reliable. Panel and service are incapable of handling load.

     b. Wiring poses a threat to safety (e.g. fire, shock, etc.)

5.  Safety

     a. Access to street, yard, parks or playground is hazardous.

     b. There are unavoidable dangers to children.

     c. Immediate physical environment contains hazardous or toxic material.

     d. There is no ready means of egress from basement bedrooms.

6.  Accessibility

      a. Uncorrectable barriers to physically challenged family members exist.
B.  Size of Living Quarters - present dwelling size is considered inadequate if:

1.  In general, more than three family members share a bedroom.

2.  School age children of opposite sex must share a bedroom.

3.  Each family member has 100 square feet or less space to live. 

C.  Temporary Housing - present housing situation is considered inadequate if:

1. Family has tentative living arrangements with relatives or friends.

2.  Family is living in a transitional housing facility or motel.

3.  Family is living in a house that is being condemned, sold or moved.

4.  Family is losing its lease, certificate, or voucher due to uncontrollable circumstances.
D.  Cost of Housing

1.  Family is paying more than 50% of its gross income for rent or house payment, including taxes and insurance (not including utility and phone costs).
Ability:  Ability to pay...The following factors are used to determine whether applicants have resources necessary to purchase housing with Habitat.
A.  Family Debt - a family can be considered to meet this criteria if:

  1. Family pays more than 50% (including rent and utilities) of the family's gross income on housing.

  2. Family's total debt payments including projected Habitat house payment must not exceed 40-55 percent of the family's monthly income.
B.  Monthly Payment Consistency - a family meets this criteria if:
1.  Family has demonstrated ability to make regular monthly payments for rent, utilities, and other credit obligations.
C.  Bankruptcy, Liens and Judgments - a family meets this criteria if:

  1. Family has not declared bankruptcy within one year of application review.

  2. Family has no outstanding liens or judgments.
D.  Family Income Guidelines - a family can be considered within our guidelines if its monthly income falls within the following categories. Applicant families are assessed on an individual basis and the Family Selection Committee has the option of using a 5 percent flexibility on either side of the limits.
Willingness:  Willingness to Partner: 
The following factors are used to determine whether families are willing to partner with LLCHFH:
A.  Eagerness to Partner - an applicant can be considered willing if:

  1. Application was completed correctly

  2. Application was submitted by the posted deadline.

  3. Family attended at least one application open forum.

  4. All family members (those who would be living in the home) participated in the family interviews.

  5. Family readily participated in the home visit.

  6. Family provided necessary documentation and references.

  7. Family has lived in the Lincoln/Lancaster County area for at least one year.

  8. Family demonstrates the ability to maintain a home
B.  Understanding of the Habitat Program-a family can be considered willing if:

1.  Applicant shows an understanding of the principles by which Habitat forms a partnership with a selected family.

  1.        Family realizes implications of highly publicized program.    

  2.        Applicant realizes expectations of active participation in all public LLCHFH activities from the time they are selected      until they move into their new home.

  3.        Applicant is willing to work with a Family Partner.

  4.        Applicant understands that Habitat is not a handout, but a hand up and they must make monthly payments without default.

  5.        Family is willing to live in the area of the city Habitat is working in at the time their house is constructed.
2.  Applicant understands the purpose of sweat equity, agrees to perform sweat equity requirements, and has the resources to complete sweat equity requirements.
 
Once the application has been submitted, it is the responsibility of the APPLICANT to notify Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee of ANY CHANGE in family status (income, marital status, family size, etc.).Before beginning construction of a selected applicant home, the Family Selection Committee will review the applicant's status in regard to Need, Ability to Pay, Income Guidelines, and Willingness to Partner.
 
Family Income Guidelines
  Monthly Income ($) Family Size Annual Income ($) 5 % Flexibility ($)
Minimum
$1,158.33
1
$13,900
$13,205.00
Maximum
$1,929.17
1
$23,150
$24,308.00
         
Minimum
$1,325.00
2
$15,900..
$15,105.00
Maximum
$2,204.16
2
$26,450.
$27,772.50
         
Minimum
$1,487.50
3
$17,850
$16,957.50
Maximum
$2,479.16
3
$29,750
$31,237.50
         
Minimum
$1,654.16
4
$19,850
$18,857.50
Maximum
$2,754.16
4
$33,050
$34,702.50
         
Minimum
$1,787.50
5
$21,450
$20,377.50
Maximum
$2,975.00
5
$35,700
$37,485.00
         
Minimum
$1,920.83
6
$23,050
$21,897.50
Maximum
$3,195.84
6
$38,350
$40,267.50
         
Minimum
$2,050.00
7
$24,600
$23,370.00
Maximum
$3,416.67
7
$41,000
$43,050.00
         
Minimum
$2,183.33
8
$26,200
$24,890.00
Maximum
$3,637.50
8
$43,650
$45,832.50
     
88888888888888888888 Lincoln / Lancaster County HFH Tel:  (402)477-9184     Fax:(402)477-9190
  144 North 19th Street E-Mail:  llchabitat@alltel.net
  Lincoln  NE  68503