Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Reopens Home Purchase Program Applications for Aspiring Homebuyers

Limited applications will be accepted on the first Monday of each month, beginning December 4

ATLANTA – December 1, 2023 – Atlanta Habitat for Humanity announces the reopening of its Home Purchase Program application process, marking a significant step in fulfilling its mission of transforming communities through homeownership, neighborhood revitalization, education, innovative development and partnerships. Atlanta Habitat will accept a limited number of applicants on the first Monday of each month, beginning Monday, December 4.

Amidst the surging demand for affordable homeownership in Atlanta, Atlanta Habitat reached unprecedented heights in 2019, marked by an influx of hundreds of applications that culminated in the lengthiest waitlist in its history. Over the past nearly four years, unwavering dedication has been poured into securing approvals to usher eager homebuyers in their long-awaited homes. Now armed with a refined and highly efficient intake process, Atlanta Habitat will now take new applications on a monthly basis.

For the past 40 years, Atlanta Habitat has played a vital role in making homeownership dreams come true for residents of the City of Atlanta and South Fulton County. Through the Home Purchase Program, Atlanta Habitat offers qualified first-time homebuyers an opportunity to own affordable, energy-efficient homes with a zero-interest thirty-year mortgage.

“Reopening the Home Purchase Program marks another significant step in Atlanta Habitat’s continued dedication to creating stable and vibrant communities” said Alan Ferguson, president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat. “By providing an affordable pathway to homeownership, the organization aims to empower residents and uplift the neighborhoods they call home.”

The reopening of this program is aimed at providing homebuyers in select neighborhoods across Atlanta and South Fulton County with the means to achieve homeownership, thereby ensuring community stability and economic empowerment.

Key Requirements for Eligible Applicants:

• Must be a first-time homebuyer or fall within specific exceptions
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has lived or worked in select counties for the past year, including Fulton, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Henry or Paulding
• Household size must range from one to eight people
• Must meet income guidelines based on the area median income, considering various documented income sources such as employment, social security, self-employment, disability and child support
• Savings requirement, with a step-up option available
• Credit guidelines will be reviewed, with a primary focus on overall payment history rather than credit scores. Past due non-medical debts should not exceed $400, and they must be paid in full within 30 days of approval
• Applicants must demonstrate their willingness to partner with Atlanta Habitat

In addition to meeting the above criteria, potential homebuyers will also engage in a comprehensive process of five steps towards approval, which include watching an information session online, submitting an interest form online, meeting with the Family Services team, completing an application, undergoing a home visit and interview, and, if approved, begin the partnership with Atlanta Habitat. After all steps are complete, applicants will attend Home Smart classes, pay a good-faith deposit, and begin working towards the 250 required sweat-equity hours.

For more information about the application process or qualifications, visit atlantahabitat.org/homeownership.