Apply for Housing

Metro Camden Habitat for Humanity (MCHH) provides low-income families the opportunity to become a homeowner in Camden City, NJ. 

View our Homeownership Opportunities Brochure

English Homeownership Brochure

Spanish Homeownership Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions about Homeownership

Do you rent any houses?
No, MCHH only sells houses that we rehabilitate or build to families who are accepted into the homeownership program.  We do not rent any of our houses or repair existing houses.

Where are the houses located?
Our current build site is located in the Cooper Plaza neighborhood of Camden City, NJ only.  

How long does the process take?
If accepted into the program, families become homeowners in approximately 2 years.

How many families do you house each year?

We have housed 5 families on average, each year, and hope to only increase that number in the future.

How many bedrooms are there?
A typical rehabilitated row-house has 3 bedrooms.  New construction houses have 3 or 4 bedrooms.

Do I need to obtain my own mortgage?

No. Families apply to Habitat because you can not qualify for a conventional mortgage. Families accepted into our program ultimately buy the house from Habitat and make monthly mortgage payments back to Habitat, which include taxes and insurance. The interest rate is 0%, and the period ranges from 20-30 years.

How do I qualify for housing?

An in-depth investigation, including credit and reference checks, as well as an in-home interview, is be conducted by members of the Family Partnership Committee. There are 3 main criteria for selecting applicants

Ask yourself, do I have…

1. The need for housing, as determined by the condition of the current shelter.
- Inadequate heating system, water supply or plumbing, electrical system, bathrooms, kitchen, roof, structure, etc.
- Inadequate number of bedrooms based on number of persons in household, with consideration of members age and sex.
- Excessive rent.
- Inability to secure a conventional home mortgage  

2. The ability to pay 
- There is a minimum and maximum income requirement based on family size. Combined income includes all sustainable sources  
  of income (employment, social security, SSI, disability, etc.) for all household members.  See approximate income
  guidelines:

Income Guidelines based on Family Size

- Stable income history.  Have you been off welfare or unemployment for at least 12 months, and/or have you been receiving at  
  least the minimum income for your family size (found on our brochure) for at least the past 12 months?
- Ability to save up the down payment (approx. $1,000), insurance (approx. $1000) and closing costs (approximately $2,500) 
- Good credit history or willingness to make regular payments on outstanding debts in accordance with a repayment plan.

3. The partnership of adult members of the household
- Full disclosure of financial and personal situations, including income, marital status, household composition, debts, etc.
- References of employers, creditors and landlords.
- Enthusiasm for the Habitat program of partnership and community building.
- Willingness to contribute up to 500 hours of Sweat Equity. 

When all selection criteria are equally met, the applicant with the greatest need will be selected.

How do I apply?
Applications can be obtained only by attending a Homeowner Orientation Program (HOP), which is run approximately once a year.  MCHH homeowners explain the program in full detail.  You will then be able to take an application.

• There is a small non-refundable application processing fee if you choose to submit your application for housing.  

 Start Preparing Today!  Put together a folder of all documents you will need when applying to make your life easier when the time comes

 
1. Collect and save W-2 statements from all employers for the past two years.
2. Collect and save tax returns.  Request transcripts for free by calling 1-800-829-1040.
3. Collect proof of income for the following items: SSI, Social Security, Child Support, Food Stamps, TANF, Alimony, Unemployment, Disability, Workmen’s Comp., etc.
4. Save your pay stubs from all jobs. These will be required for up to two months when you apply.
5. Collect complete addresses and telephone numbers for:

• Landlords for the past 2 years
• employers for the past two years
• creditors that you are paying or have agreements with
  
  6. If applicable, gather copies of all bankruptcy papers and/or divorce or separation papers.
  
  7. Start working on debts on your credit report. You can get your free credit report by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. If you have any judgments against you, begin or continue to pay those debts to reduce or eliminate the amount you owe.
  
  8.Research other organizations that also assist with home ownership – enroll in free classes to prepare yourself for the responsibilities of being a homeowner. 
  
  

  Alternate Routes to Homeownership

  For families who exceed our income limits or are looking for homeownership opportunities in other areas, the following list may be of interest to you.  Contact the organization directly for more information.

  
  

Alternate Routes to Homeownership

For families who exceed our income limits or are looking for homeownership opportunities in other areas, the following list may be of interest to you.  Contact the organization directly for more information.

Homeownership programs in the City of Camden:

Heart of Camden  856-966-1212

St. Joseph's Carpenter Society         856-966-8117 www.sjcscamden.org

PBCIP (Parkside neighborhood only)  856-964-0440 www.pbcip.org

North Camden Land Trust  856-966-3401

Homeownership in Camden County (Suburbs)

Camden County OEO  856-964-6887

Housing & Economic Opportunities  856-858-0303
Regional Opportunity Center 609-341-4756
Opportunity NJ: 856-663-5380

Other local Habitat for Humanity affiliates

Burlington County Habitat for Humanity       856-303-8080 www.habitatbcnj.org

Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity       856-256-9400 www.glocohfh.org

Philadelphia Habitat for Humanity                  215-765-6000 www.habitatphiladelphia.org

Or visit www.habitat.org and search for Local Affiliates by State or Zip Code

Other types of housing assistance in Camden County

Senior Safe Homes Program       1 800-331-7272

Camden County Community Development-Home improvement loan       856-374-6337

Mr. Fix it Program - Senior Repair Program     1 877-222-3737
Senior Shared Housing         856-456-1121

Housing Authority Homemaker Services        856-968-6167 or 856-225-5175

Neighborhood Housing Services - Housing Counseling       856-541-0720

NJ Citizen Action - Housing Counseling    1-800-656-9637
Mortgage Payment Assistance       1 888-995-HOPE
      ......................................................   1 888-995-(4673)

RAMP assistance        856-225-5451

Snow Removal assistance     1 800-955-2446