How does Habitat for Humanity Trenton work?
Habitat for Humanity Trenton Area is a non-profit organization committed to building quality, affordable ownership housing in partnership with low income families in Trenton. Habitat homes are built almost entirely by volunteers and are funded completely by donations of money and material from the private sector. Habitat homes are sold for no profit with no-interest mortgages to selected families who partner with Habitat by investing volunteer hours known as "sweat equity" into the construction of their own homes. Initial monthly mortgage payments do not exceed 1/3 of a family's expected monthly income. Mortgage payments are used towards the construction of more Habitat homes.


How are the partner families selected?
Households in need of decent shelter apply to Habitat for Humanity Trenton. The Family Selection Committee evaluates applicants based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan.


How does the application process work?
Applications are accepted throughout the year. When the application process is open, applications will be available on line or from the Habitat office. During announced selection periods, interested applicants attend an informational Habitat Trenton orientation and workshop, where they will complete and submit an application. Those that pass the financial review progress to the second phase.
The second phase is a home visit and interview by two members of the Family Selection Committee. The purpose of the home interview is to learn more about a family's current living situation, and to become further acquainted. After these visits, the Family Selection Committee identifies the families that qualify to proceed on to the third phase.
At the third phase, qualifying applicants are approved for selection by the Habitat Trenton and become partners with Habitat Trenton. Together the families and Habitat Trenton make a "commitment to partnership".


Basic eligibility requirements:
• Income between 40-60% of the median gross annual income for Trenton households of comparable size (for example, between $18,000 and $35,000 for a household of 4)
• Residence in Mercer County for at least 1 year
• First time home buyer (no ownership or co-ownership of a home within the last 3 years)
• At least one adult applicant must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the US at the time of the application


Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Ability to repay a no-interest loan
• Can demonstrate a history of regular income.
• Ability to make monthly payments on a no-interest mortgage, property taxes and insurance.
• Need for housing - Currently living in inadequate housing conditions, which are substandard, overcrowded, unsafe, or are paying rent too high in relation to monthly income.
• Willingness to partner with Habitat Trenton
• Must fulfill “sweat equity” commitment of contributing between 500 hours of volunteer hours towards the mission of Habitat for Humanity Trenton most of which is in the construction of the home.
• Be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the home from the time of move in.

The selection process includes an orientation, application, financial review including credit check, and home interview.


Selections are made in compliance with the Federal Credit Equal Opportunity Act and on an impartial and non-discriminatory basis. Race, color, national origin, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, age, religion and disability play no part in the choice.
If you have further questions, please feel free to email or call. Best of luck in your housing search


If you are interested in becoming a Habitat partner, contact, Liz Leonard at 609-393-8009 x 221.