OWN A HOME
BUILDING DREAMS TOGETHER
Habitat STW is unique in that we have a Homeownership Center (HOC) that is the only HUD certified homeownership counseling agency in St. Tammany Parish.
Families and individuals visit the HOC wanting to own a home and our Housing Counselors work with them until they achieve that dream. They counsel and coach clients through income and credit issues and assist them throughout their homebuying journey.
With the support of St. Tammany Parish, the St. Tammany Homeownership Center was created by Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West to help more local residents achieve and sustain homeownership. The Center is staffed by experienced, certified homeownership counselors and instructors. We serve a wide range of St. Tammany Parish homebuyers. Some of our clients go on to apply with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and some take one of several other paths to homeownership based on their individual needs. We also serve local homeowners in need of home repairs and accessibility modifications.
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We provide a range of services to help people explore, prepare for, and sustain homeownership. Most services fall into two categories: counseling and classes. For more information: email info@habitatstw.org or call 985-893-3172 Extension 246.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Homeownership Counseling:
Experienced counselors work with you to determine your mortgage readiness. We will evaluate your credit, and other key components of the type of financing chosen, and together we will develop a plan to overcome any credit or savings obstacles and continue to support you through the entire home buying process.
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Home Repair/Rehabilitation Counseling:
Experienced counselors work with you to provide information on available community resources, and help qualified homeowners apply for repair grants and affordable repair loans to finance health and safety related home repairs.
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CLASSES AVAILABLE
Registration is mandatory for the following classes. Contact information is listed.
Homebuyer Training:
Guides potential buyers through all steps of the home buying process, and provides information on protecting and preserving their home and investment. The 12-hour workshop consists of four 3-hour evening classes held over two weeks, and is held every other month. Fee associated with class. For schedule information or to sign up email info@habitatstw.org or call 985-893-3172 Extension 246.
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Financial Fitness:
Teaches basic financial and money management concepts and skills, with an emphasis on building financial responsibility and long-term financial success. It combines hands-on activities and small group discussion with the fundamentals of sound money management. The 12-hour workshop consists of four 3-hour evening classes held over two weeks. It is held every other month. Fee associated with class. For schedule information or to sign up email info@habitatstw.org or call 985-893-3172 Extension 246.
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Home Maintenance:
Buying a home is just the first step. You need the knowledge to care for what is likely to be the biggest investment you’ll ever make…your new home. These classes are designed to help new homeowners understand basic home systems and preventive maintenance. They help you understand and plan for the responsibilities of homeownership. Instruction, discussion and hands-on practice are used. For schedule information or to sign up email info@habitatstw.org or call 985-893-3172 Extension 246.
TO APPLY WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ST. TAMMANY WEST:
1. You must live or work in west St. Tammany Parish
2. Your yearly family income must fall into the range below:
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​3. Your current housing must be:
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Substandard– problems with heat, water, electricity or structure
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Inadequate– not suited for a family member who has a limitation
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Dangerous– located in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
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Overcrowded
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Temporary
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Too Expensive
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4. Print out and complete the following documents:
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Once complete, call the Homeownership Center for an appointment or for more information.
TO AFFORD A HABITAT HOME, WE MUST DETERMINE THAT:
1. Your income is steady and stable over time
2. Income will allow you to save for closing costs
3. You can afford the monthly mortgage payments along with your other debts
4. Your credit report and current debts show satisfactory payment history. If you have credit problems, help is available. Contact us for more information.
REPAIR PROGRAM
To learn more about our repair program, contact our
Homeownership Center at 985-893-3172 x246 or info@habitatstw.org
