A better home for a better future

building hope through homeownership

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge partners with low-income families and volunteers to build and sell homes at no profit and no interest to qualifying applicants. Our homeownership program is designed to prepare and empower individuals to be successful Habitat homeowners through hands-on assistance and an education curriculum that includes impactful lessons from budgeting to home maintenance. 

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how it works

1

make sure we're the right fit

Now it’s time to make sure Habitat is the right fit for you! To learn more about the program, you’ll attend a Habitat for Humanity Homeward Bound Orientation. 

The Homeward Bound Orientation will help future homeowners understand the steps needed to maximize the value of the homebuying experience. Future homeowners will learn about our Habitat Home Ownership Program. We will discuss our mission, sweat equity and financial savings payments. We will also review the application process and discuss requirements for applying to the program.

The Family Services Department will hold  orientations throughout the year  at the Habitat office located at 5500 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

To be notified about upcoming orientations, please send an email to familyservices@habitatbrla.org with your name and phone number.

October 2024 Orientation Schedule: register by e-mailing familyservices@habitatbrla.org

Tues., Oct. 8 at 5:00 pm

Wed., Oct. 16 at 12:00 pm

Tues., Oct. 22 at 6:00 pm

Mon., Oct. 28 at 12:00 pm

Thurs., Oct. 31 at 12:00 pm

2

submit an application

Complete and submit the full application packet within 30 days after receiving the application. Along with the application, submit the required information and documents included in the application checklist. Our Family Selection Committee will then visit your current home to assess your housing needs, further explain the program and our partnership and get to know you better.

3

we build a partnership

The Family Selection Committee and the Board of Directors will make a decision. If you’re accepted, a Habitat staff member will notify you and ask you to sign the partnership agreement to officially become a Habitat Partner!

4

your habitat homeowner journey begins

You start laying the foundation for new opportunities, earning sweat equity hours and attending financial literacy and homeownership classes. Once you complete a walk-through of your almost finished home, you will attend a closing meeting where you will qualify for a Habitat mortgage.

5

become a habitat homeowner

Once you sign the closing documents, we turn the keys over to you! As a new Habitat homeowner, you will begin making mortgage payments on your new home.

homeownership criteria

housing need

Applicant’s current home suffers from substandard living conditions like overcrowding, or home expenses require a large portion of the homeowner’s income.

ability to pay

Applicant must demonstrate the ability to pay monthly mortgage payments. The applicant must also be a Louisiana resident.

family income

27% to 80% of the median family income for the area in which the build is happening.

willingness to partner

Applicant is willing to contribute 255 hours of sweat equity to the building of their home and the homes of others and attend homeowner education classes.

interested in applying for our homeownership program?

Review the resources below for more information on the application process, program requirements and additional information.

have questions?
check our FAQs page

help us build a better future