Applications for 2026 & 2027 Builds Open November 15, 2024
Our application process will reopen on November 15, 2024 to select 2 families for 2026 & potentially 2 families for 2027 if we receive enough qualifed applicants. Please contact us at 217-348-7063, to learn more about the process to qualify for a Habitat home.
Qualifying for a Habitat Home
Our Program
Our Families
Our Families
At Habitat, we build affordable housing for low income families living in Coles County. In every home, you’ll find the work and dedication of many people, all working with a common goal: helping a family build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat offers 0% interest mortgages for 20-30 year terms to our partner families. Homeowners pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment which includes the principal on their loan and escrow funds needed for their annual homeowner's insurance and real estate taxes. Mortgage payments are cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses.
Our Families
Our Families
Our Families
Habitat is an equal opportunity housing lender. Anyone can apply to be a Habitat homeowner. Habitat follows a nondiscriminatory policy of homebuyer selection. Our families are as diverse as our community. They are individuals and large families. They are single mothers, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, veterans, couples with and without children, and every other type of family. Individuals and families that have lived in Coles County for at least 1 year that want to learn more about our program are encouraged to contact Melissa at the Habitat office at 217-348-7063 or by email at colescountyhabitat@consolidated.net
3 Areas of Eligibility
Ability to Pay
Willingness to Partner
Ability to Pay
Applicants must be able and willing to pay an affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments are cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses in Coles County.
*see specific criteria below
Housing Need
Willingness to Partner
Ability to Pay
Applicants must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing. Coles County Habitat has approved 6 different housing needs. Applicants must demonstrate at least one of those needs.
*see specific criteria below
Willingness to Partner
Willingness to Partner
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must be active partners with Habitat throughout the process from selection, construction and beyond. This is a critical part of Habitat's work and our homeowners' success.
*see specific criteria below
Specific Criteria
Ability to Pay Criteria
Willingness to Partner Criteria
Ability to Pay Criteria
*Meet annual income guidelines (30-80% of area median income) - see flyer below
*Haven't filed bankruptcy in last 3 years
*Low debt to income ratio - long term debt can't exceed 41% of gross income
*No current collections or judgements
*Recent track record of paying all bills on time - ie) last 12 months
*Ability to make $500 down payment
Housing Need Criteria
Willingness to Partner Criteria
Ability to Pay Criteria
*Structural Issues - in their current apartment
*Living in an unsafe neighborhood-drugs, violence, etc.
*Rent-burdened - paying more 30% of income to rent payment
*Homelessness-living in temporary housing
*Overcrowding
*Health/Safety-current housing doesn't meet needs of family (i.e.-disability, etc.)
Willingness to Partner Criteria
Willingness to Partner Criteria
Willingness to Partner Criteria
*Be active partners with Habitat throughout the entire process from selection, construction and beyond.
*Agree to background and credit checks on all prospective homeowners
*Each adult in household must contribute 225 hours of sweat equity into the construction of their home
*Partner families must complete Habitat's 5 homeowner education classes
*Willingness to share your Habitat story with the public/ media.
Application (pdf)
Download
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a typical mortgage payment?
How much is a typical mortgage payment?
How much is a typical mortgage payment?
A typical mortgage for a Habitat home can change annually based on construction costs for the home. In 2026, a mortgage on a three-bedroom home is expected to cost $115,000. This would translate into a $725 monthly mortgage payment. Mortgage payments include escrow for homeowner's insurance and property taxes.
What kind of income do I need?
How much is a typical mortgage payment?
How much is a typical mortgage payment?
All prospective homeowners must have a stable source of long term income. This could be income from employment, Social Security, disability, child support, etc. If child support is being used as one of the income sources, it would need to continue for at least 3 years.
What size of homes are offered?
How much is a typical mortgage payment?
What size of homes are offered?
Habitat currently offers 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans, depending on the size of the family. A 3 bedroom is approximately 1,200 square feet. The 4 bedroom is approximately 1,350 square feet. Both floor plans offer an open concept living room - kitchen/dining area, 2 full bathrooms, mud room with side entrance, a front porch and shed in the back yard.
Can I have past collections?
When are applications accepted?
What size of homes are offered?
All collections must be satisfied with a $0 balance. This could either be paid in full or a settlement amount the collector is willing to accept. Habitat encourages all families to use a free credit reporting agency to determine if they have any collections and then make a plan to begin negotiating with collectors.
Do you look at credit scores?
When are applications accepted?
When are applications accepted?
Habitat does not look at individual credit scores. Instead we look at recent financial behavior and habits. At the time of application, every applicant signs an agreement that allows us to access their credit report and also conduct verification's with employers, landlords and utility companies.
When are applications accepted?
When are applications accepted?
When are applications accepted?
Each year, Habitat's board of directors determines when applications will be accepted and how many families to approve. Anyone interested in learning more about our work and requirements is encouraged to contact Melissa, at the Habitat office 217-348-7063 or by email at colescountyhabitat@consolidated.net
Coles County Habitat for Humanity
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 226 Charleston, IL 61920 Physical Address: 990 W. State St. Charleston