Homeownership Program
Home is in Your Hands
Our Homeownership Program makes the dream of homeownership possible for many Chippewa Valley families. Having a safe, affordable home empowers a family to invest in a more secure future for themselves and their children.
The program allows qualified, low to medium-income, hardworking people in the Chippewa Valley to purchase a home. Financing is obtained from the USDA or local lending institutions. For qualified Partner Families, there is zero down payment.
There are times when we have more applicants than homes we can build. We’ve developed a needs-based scoring system that allows us to prioritize families facing the greatest need for affordable, safe housing.
Program applicants must be in need of housing due to one or more of the current following circumstances:
- Structurally substandard, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
- Temporary housing or over-crowded living conditions
- Housing costs, including rent and utilities, exceeds 30% of your gross monthly household income
- Housing is inaccessible.
- Residence in subsidized or transitional housing (section 8, title 42)
Improving Debt and Credit
An applicant’s credit history does not need to be perfect. In fact, many applicants have some debt. It is important to know how much is owed and for the total amount of debt to be manageable. It is recommended that applicants obtain a free copy of their credit report to ensure all credit is reported accurately.
All collection debt must have proof of active payment plans or be paid in full. Judgments for money must be satisfied. Visit Wisconsin Circuit Court Access to view public records. Bankruptcy or foreclosure must have been satisfied for at least 12 months.
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must be willing to work in partnership with Chippewa Valley Habitat’s team and maintain a positive and active involvement in the Homeowner Sweat Equity Program. Accommodations for health and employment concerns will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must be willing to complete 200 to 500 hours of sweat equity by:
- Working at a construction site
- Attending Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Mortgage Mastery Program
- Volunteering at the Eau Claire ReStore
- Participating in Chippewa Valley Habitat events
Additional Applicant Requirements
- Divorce proceedings must be finalized.
- Applicants must provide valid documentation of Permanent Residency or Citizenship.
- Applicants must clear a criminal background check. Any conviction(s) which are recent and/or severe in nature will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Chippewa Valley Habitat is unable to serve applicants if any household member is a registered sex offender.
- All adults living together must apply together because Chippewa Valley Habitat Homebuyer program is income-based. Please contact Chippewa Valley Habitat about any exceptions.
- Wisconsin is a marital property state and Chippewa Valley Habitat requires married couples to apply jointly.
- All adult (over 18) household members must sign a general release for a background check and other verification.
How the Homeownership Program Works
At Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity, we’ve helped many families through our programs.
If you live in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire counties, please fill out the form below to receive more information about the Homeownership Program application process. We will send you the interest form, as well as answer any questions you may have about the program or process.
Homeowner Interest Form
Already Own but Need Help with Repairs?
If you’re concerned your existing home has your family living in an unsafe environment, Chippewa Valley Habitat offers a Home Repair Program. Designed to address issues such as lead paint or mold removal, leaky roof repair, bad plumbing, faulty wiring, or emerging hazards that potentially compromise safety, Chippewa Valley Habitat can help.
