Expression of Interest

Applications are currently being accepted for homes in Castlegar and Grand Forks.
Submit an enquiry form here

Thank you for your interest in partnering with Habitat for Humanity Southeast BC.

I’m partnering? Yes! Habitat for Humanity Southeast BC works with families to help them achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. The path to homeownership requires time and dedication, but this helps ensure the long-term success of the families.

Our motto is: a hand up, not a hand out.

Do people get free homes? No. Homeowners make regular payments to their mortgage and are responsible for the maintenance of their home, as all homeowners are. A Habitat mortgage differs from a traditional mortgage in that payments are set at a maximum of 30% of gross household income. As your income changes, so will your payments.

There are three other criteria we look for in all applicants:

Need

There must be a need for adequate housing. Things we consider include unaffordable rent, overcrowding, housing issues that affect the wellbeing, health, or safety of the family.

Applicants must have guardianship and primary care (50% custody) of at least one child under the age of 16, or an older child incapable of living on their own. The custodial parent does not have to be the biological parent.

Ability to repay a mortgage

Applicants must have a steady, reliable source of income. Temporary social assistance (e.g. employment insurance) may be included but it is not acceptable if it is the only source of income. The family must have a demonstrated work history. In order to be able to offer Habitat-model mortgages, we have conditions in place that will ensure your income can support a regular mortgage payment. Mortgage payments are set to 25% of your gross income. Successful candidates should have an income range as listed here:

Castlegar: $32,000 - $46,000
Grand Forks: $27,000 - $41,500
These amounts are based on the BC Housing Income Limits (HILs).

Willingness to partner

There must be a willingness to partner with Habitat Southeast BC. You must be willing to complete 500 volunteer hours. There are many ways to complete your volunteer hours, such as: assisting on the build site, in the ReStore, at events – just to name a few. We work with families to help them find ways to complete their volunteer hours.

I am interested! What do I do next?

Please submit the following expression of interest form. Upon receiving the form, the homeowner services department will be in touch within a maximum of three weeks’ time.