Do you Qualify?

No, those who qualify and are accepted into the program will have to save for closing costs, and pay an affordable mortgage.

Sweat equity is work the future Habitat homeowner does, helping to build their home as well as the homes of other future homeowners.

It is a central principle in Habitat’s mission of building community and partnering with families to provide a “hand up, NOT a handout.”  Sweat equity contributes to three fundamental goals in the homeownership program: 

• Partnership: The mission of Bennington County Habitat is to assist homebuyers in the construction of their own home. Sweat equity provides meaningful interaction between homebuyers, Habitat volunteers and staff, community members and future neighbors.
• Pride in Ownership: As families work on their own homes, they begin to develop a sense of pride and attachment. Habitat homebuyers invest not only their money, but also time and energy into their homes, and witness the work of others on their behalf.
• Development of skills and knowledge: On the building site, homebuyers gain an understanding of the construction of their home and maintenance issues they will face during homeownership.

Friends and family may help a Habitat homebuyer by volunteering with Habitat and donating their hours towards fulfilling a portion of their sweat equity requirements.

If you would like to volunteer, visit our volunteer page.

No. Bennington County Habitat cannot, and will not, discriminate for any reason. We will work with you to complete your required 200 sweat equity hours in a different way. We do not have a set answer for how, as each individual and their abilities are different, so should be their requirements.

No. Bennington County Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Housing Opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, marriage or familial status, handicap, or anything similar.

Yes! In fact, we highly encourage it. We understand that circumstances change, and what disqualified you in previous years may no longer be relevant. 

This is theoretically possible if the land is in Bennington County, however you will still need to apply and be approved like any other applicant. Only then will we explore the possibility.

No, Bennington County Habitat is fully committed to long-term housing solutions. While we can only accept a few people/families into the program each year, we take great pride in the fact that they are “set up” for long term housing security. 

Bennington County Habitat currently owns land in Manchester and Bennington. Each applicant is asked which location they would prefer. Each plot of land is different and will suit different sized homes and families. Therefore Bennington County Habitat will choose the exact location of the home, but the accepted homebuyer chooses the town.

Typically Bennington County Habitat is able to deliver a house within 12-18 months of acceptance into the program. This timeframe allows applicants accepted into the program time to save for closing costs, complete their sweat equity, prepare for the move itself, and fully participate in the building of their home.

Yes, Habitat conducts credit and background checks on all applicants. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant; any issues that come up in a background check will be handled on an individual basis.  Anyone on a registered sex offender list is not permitted to live in a Habitat house. Bennington County Habitat will verify employment, obtain housing and banking references, and a credit check to make an assessment as to whether Habitat is an appropriate program for the applicant(s). Habitat does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but credit history and debt will be assessed.