Habitat for Humanity of Berks County needs owners for new houses to be built in 2021.
“We’ll be building four new homes on Miltimore Street beginning early next year,” said Eneida Powell, director of family services for the nonprofit.
The organization builds and improves homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live.
A home is also available in the 200 block of West Buttonwood Street, Powell said.
She will answer questions about the application process and homeownership from noon to 3 p.m., Thursday at Habitat’s REStore, 5370 Allentown Pike, Muhlenberg Township.
Applications for new homeownership are now being accepted.
“We want people to know what this program can do for them,” said Tim Daley, executive director of the Berks affiliate.
Daley said the Habitat for Humanity process is unlike that of any other housing agency.
“We require sweat equity, which includes one of the greatest opportunities for improving financial awareness,” he said.
Habitat homeowners must meet certain guidelines, qualify for a low-cost mortgage and commit to 200 hours of their own labor, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners to build or improve homes. The time commitment includes up to 50 hours of financial literacy education and credit remediation.
Powell, an expert in financial literacy, said raising one’s credit score is essential to qualifying for a mortgage. Habitat can help clients recover their credit scores and qualify as homeowners, she said.
“The end game is that families walk away as homeowners in every sense of the word,” Daley said. “The goal is independence and strengthening stability.”
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
Read the original article on The Reading Eagle.
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