Get started with the application process by registering for an upcoming Homeownership Information Session.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Habitat homeowner. We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home.
Families may find themselves in need of decent shelter due to a variety of circumstances — unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded living conditions, damaged or dilapidated structures, unsafe neighborhoods, or lack of access to land and affordable financing.
When families partner with Habitat, they start down a new path — one with far fewer barriers to a better, healthier, more financially stable life.
Habitat homeowners play a hands-on role in the homeownership process, beginning with the sweat equity hours they perform. To fulfill sweat equity hours, they work alongside volunteers to help build and renovate the places they will call home. Some also work toward this requirement by putting in time at one of the local DuPage Habitat ReStores, while others may serve on committees or help out at the DuPage Habitat office. Future homeowners are also required to attend financial education and budget-planning classes.
Program Qualification Criteria
- Need for housing. Current home is overcrowded, unsafe, too expensive, etc.
- Ability to pay. Stable work history, manageable debt load, absence of liens.
- Willingness to partner. Prospective homeowners must INVEST a minimum of 250 hours of “sweat equity” for each applicant and co-applicant.
- Live or work in Illinois.
- Meet income guidelines.
Income Guidelines Chart
| Family Size |
Minimum Income 30% of MFI |
Maximum Income 60% of MFI |
| 1 | $21,900 | $43,800 |
| 2 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| 3 | $28,150 | $56,300 |
| 4 | $31,250 | $62,500 |
| 5 | $33,750 | $67,500 |
| 6 | $37,190 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $41,910 | $83,820 |
| 8+ | $46,630 | $93,260 |
Alma & her children
Every parent deserves the confidence that comes from providing a safe and stable home for their children.
Alma & her children
Alma has found stability through DuPage Habitat for Humanity
Alma was 19 when she left Mexico in 1994. By 1997, she was married to her first husband, and in 2000 she had a baby boy. Six months after the birth of her son, she faced a terrible tragedy: her husband had passed away. Things were tough, but Alma was tougher. With a helping hand from her sister and a new husband in the picture, by 2008, things were looking up again. Alma was excited to have a partner in life again, and her son was happy to have a father. After a few years, Alma gave birth to two beautiful twin girls. But in 2013, things were not working out with her second husband, and Alma had to move with her three children yet again.
As she started to struggle again, thinking of the needs of her family and the possibilities that might be available, Alma prayed for guidance. She wanted a place she could call home and raise her children with dignity. A few days later, her girls brought a flyer home from school with information about DuPage Habitat for Humanity. Alma says, “It was the answer to my prayers.”
Now, her family is on the road to a brighter future. Alma is a Habitat Homebuyer, her son is a freshman in college set on obtaining his Masters in Paleontology, and her girls are in second grade. She says raising her kids in their own home “is so important for me and for their development and confidence.”
“My biggest inspiration for working toward my home was to guide my kids to be great people that, in the future, will help others as well. Since the day they told us that we were a part of the program, my girls asked me if they may start packing. We are very excited to own our home,” Alma tells us.
Alma says the best part of her experience so far has been meeting and getting to know all the people, and making new, lasting friendships. She’s bursting with appreciation for the volunteers who have helped to change her life, and the lives of many others.
Get involved with DuPage Habitat’s mission by volunteering on a build site, alongside another future homeowner. Look for individual opportunities, or sign your faith group up for a build day to engage Habitat's mission.