East Bay Habitat for Humanity Affiliate to Begin Search for Future Homeowner

Habitat for Humanity of East Bay, Rhode Island is beginning the search process to partner with a family for their future home build in Bristol.

Families or individuals in need of decent, affordable housing who currently live or work in Bristol, Warren, Barrington, East Providence, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Jamestown or Little Compton are encouraged to complete a Homeowner Inquiry Form.  

“We bought the Bristol property in January and are looking forward to the next step of identifying our family, which is when the real work begins,” said Susan Donovan, president of the chapter’s Board of Directors. “As with all Habitat homes worldwide, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their house and the houses of others.” 

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) considers the applicant’s need, ability to pay for a HFH home and a willingness to partner with HFH in its selection process. A few examples of need may include structural inadequacies in the present home, overcrowding, inadequate number of bedrooms, unhealthy conditions, living with friends or relatives and cost burdened with over 30% of income going to housing costs. 

A potential HFH homeowner must have sufficient monthly income to pay the mortgage, taxes and insurance without becoming debt-burdened. Applicants must have an annual family income 60% or less than the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) local median income and debt payments inclusive of the monthly housing payment that do not exceed 50% of the applicant’s income. All applicants must have a steady source of income. The affiliate will do a comprehensive analysis of the family’s ability to pay which will include detailed income verification, budget analysis and credit checks. Bankruptcy does not disqualify an applicant as long as it has been discharged for at least two years. 

Applicants can complete the Homeowner Inquiry Form which can be downloaded from the chapter’s website atwww.HabitatEastBayRI.org or by emailing a request to hfhbristolri@gmail.com.  

Habitat for Humanity of RI, East Bay is an equal opportunity, fair housing provider with a broad definition of family.  

To arrange an interview with Susan Donovan, please  email hfhbristolri@gmail.com.