New Applicant Info Session 2026

Applications for NEMS Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity is opening the application period for our 2026 Homeownership Program! If you are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner, we encourage you to join one of our upcoming Information Sessions, where we will explain the process, qualifications, and next steps.
Attendance is not required to receive an application, but it is highly recommended to ensure you understand our program and eligibility requirements.

⭐ New Applicant Information Sessions (Choose One)

Join us for a 45–60 minute overview of our homeownership program. We will walk you through the qualifications, documentation required, and what to expect during the application process.
Attending a session gives you the BEST chance of submitting a complete and accurate application.

Do I Qualify for a Habitat Home?

1. Need for Better Housing

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine need for improved housing such as:

• Structural, roofing, or plumbing issues
• Rent or utility bills exceeding 30% of income
• Overcrowding
• Unsafe or unstable living conditions for children

2. Ability to Pay an Affordable Mortgage

Habitat homes are sold with an affordable mortgage. To qualify financially, applicants must:

• Have 2+ years of stable income
• Have a total household income within 55%–80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lee County
• Be able to afford an estimated $700–$750 monthly mortgage payment (including taxes & insurance)
• Keep total minimum monthly debt below 43% of income
• Have been discharged from bankruptcy for at least 3 years
• Provide verification documents upon request (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, bank statements, etc.)

2025 Monthly Income Limits (Before Taxes):

• 1 Person: $2,700–$3,925
• 2 People: $3,083–$4,485
• 3 People: $3,470–$5,046
• 4 People: $3,854–$5,606
• 5 People: $4,162–$6,055
• 6 People: $4,471–$6,503

Accepted income types include:
Permanent employment, self-employment (1 year of tax returns), Social Security/Disability, retirement or pension income, and child support or alimony expected to continue for at least 3 years.

Credit Review:
Habitat does not require a minimum credit score. However, all past and current debts, payment history, and minimum monthly payments will be reviewed—this includes car loans, credit cards, personal loans, student loans (even deferred), and loans you have co-signed.

3. Willingness to Partner with Habitat

Habitat is a partnership program. Selected homebuyers must be willing to:

• Complete 250 sweat equity hours
• Attend homebuyer and financial education classes
• Make a $750 down payment
• Agree to build on a Habitat-selected lot
• Maintain the home as their primary residence
• Participate fully in the partnership and preparation process

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join one of our information sessions to learn how Habitat helps families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Applications will be available at each session and at the Habitat office during the open application period.