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

You must call to schedule an appointment!
Doors will open 1/2 hour before start time. Come early!
Doors close exactly at start time. No late entries will be allowed.
Make sure your income falls within our bracket ( see below ) to make best
use of your time.

NO CHILDREN PLEASE.
Class will last approximately 1 hour.

Must attend a class to obtain an application.

START PREPARING TODAY!
Put together a folder of all documents you will need when applying to make your life easier when the time comes. 

• Collect and save W-2 statements from all employers for the past two years. (2007 & 2008)
• Collect and save tax returns. (2006 & 2007) Request transcripts for free by calling 1-800-829-1040.
• Collect proof of income for the following items: SSI, Social Security, Child Support, Food Stamps, TANF, Alimony, Unemployment, Disability, Workmen’s Comp., etc.
• Save your pay stubs from all jobs. These will be required for up to two months when you apply.
• 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
• If applicable, gather copies of all bankruptcy papers and/or divorce or separation papers.
• 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.
• Research other organizations that also assist with home ownership – enroll in free classes to prepare yourself for the responsibilities of being a homeowner. 
• Save your money!  Start putting money aside in a saving account dedicated only to buying a house.  Typical down payment for a house is $750-$900 (depending on size), and closing costs can average $2,500.  If you plan to save $3,500 over the course of a year, you will be in super shape when the day comes!

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 primary build site is located in the Cooper Plaza neighborhood of Camden City, NJ only.  (Focusing on properties located between Broadway to Eighth Street, Clinton Street to Pine Street.)

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?

Habitat for Humanity is not only the builder, but also the mortgage company, because Habitat families are unable to qualify for a conventional mortage. Each Habitat affilliate holds the mortgages for the family and charges no interest, thus making the home affordable.  Monthly mortgage payments are made back to MCHH which include taxes and insurance.  Typical mortgages are paid back over a 25 year period.

How do I qualify for housing?

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

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 a mortgage to MCHH

- 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.  View the income chart below for

  current income requirements.

- Stable income history. Must maintain minimum income (from chart below) for at least 12 months prior to applying.

- Ability to save up the down payment (approximately $1000) and closing costs (approximately $1,500) - 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 between 250-500 hours of Sweat Equity. 

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

Income Guidelines based on Family Size

As of 5/2008 - Note: Amounts may increase with time.

How do I apply?

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

1. There is a $15 non-refundable application processing fee if you choose to submit your application for housing.  (There is no cost to attend the HOP)
2. The HOP is held at the MCHH office.
3. Space is limited, so we ask that children please not attend if at all possible.
4. Contact us to attend one of the information programs to be held the next time the classes will run. 

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

Nieghborhood 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