Home is in Your Hands
Our Homeownership Program makes the dream of homeownership possible for many Walworth County families. Having a safe, affordable home empowers a family to invest in a more secure future for themselves and their children.
An affordable, energy efficient home, built to local and HFH International standards, and spected to meet functional, family requirements. These homes are affordable because of:
- Sweat Equity participation by the homeowners
- Both volunteer and skilled crews
- Donated materials
Prospective homeowners are selected based on need, the ability to pay a mortgage, a willingness to participate in building their home, and a background check. The program allows qualified, hardworking people in Walworth County to purchase a home. Financing is obtained from local lending institutions.
Applications are now being accepted
Presently, the Homeowner Program Application period is open. If you are interested in partnering with Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County for a new home, review the application, application process and information noted below.
what is a habitat home?
An affordable, energy efficient home, built to local and HFH International standards, and spected to meet functional, family requirements. The homes are affordable due to:
- Sweat Equity participation by the homeowners
- Volunteer and skilled crew labor
- Donated materials
Prospective homeowners are selected based on need, financial need, residency & income and willingness to partner.
eligibility requirements for applicants
We are committed to helping individuals and families achieve stable, affordable homeownership. Individuals must be able to secure a mortgage up to $200,000 for the Whitewater homes, which means applicants typically earn at least, $5,000-$5,800/month and $60,000-$70,000/year. To be considered, applicants must meet specific financial, residency, and commitment criteria. You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:
FINANCIAL NEED: (one of the following)
- Rent & utilities (excluding phone) at 30% of your take-home income
- Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median (AMI) Income for Walworth County by household size. (See table below showing.) For example, if you are a family of 3, your income level should be below $76, 320.
- Current housing is unsafe, unhealthy, overcrowded or temporary
| Family Size |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Below | $68,000 | $72, 350 | $76, 320 | $81,600 | $86,800 | 92,200 |
Source: U.S. Department of HUD Wisconsin, 2025
Additional Notes:
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. The bank you are working with will help you understand your credit score.
RESIDENCY & INCOME
- Resident of Walworth County for at least 6 months
- Valid documentation of Permanent Residency or Citizenship
- Sufficient income to cover mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities
Additional Notes:
Divorce proceedings must be finalized.
All adults living together must apply together because Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County Homebuyer program is income-based. Please contact Habitat for Humanity Walworth County about any exceptions.
Wisconsin is a marital property state and Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County requires married couples to apply jointly.
COMMITMENT & RESPONSIBILITY
- Willing to contribute Sweat Equity (see below) and engage in the community
- Agree to a credit and background check
Additional Notes:
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. Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County is unable to serve applicants if any household member is a registered sex offender.
All adult (over 18) household members must sign a general release for a background check and other verification.
Down Payment Assistance
For applicants interested in the Habitat homes being built in Whitewater, the City of Whitewater may offer a down payment assistance program for qualified buyers. This program is separate from Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County and applies only to eligible homes located in Whitewater.
Applicants are encouraged to review the City of Whitewater program details and eligibility requirements here:
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/page/housing
what is sweat equity?
Sweat Equity is required for a Habitat home. Adult family members contribute 250 hours each to the build (construction, community service or simple project support can apply). Children 16 and over, subject to limitations, can contribute; relatives and friends can contribute up to one half of the needed hours. HFH/Walworth tracks the Sweat Equity investment.
Habitat for Humanity’s core concept is to offer a partner family the opportunity to build their own equity.
“Sweat Equity” is the labor that HFH partners invest in the building of their home. The new homeowners become partners in the process of building their own affordable home. The Volunteer Coordinator can help homeowners identify other ways to accrue Sweat Equity hours. Sweat Equity progress is the best predictor of a partner family’s success in the program; prompt completion of the Sweat Equity commitment leads to timely payments and well-kept homes. A Habitat homeowner working together with diverse volunteers and meeting future neighbors connects quickly with the local community.
How the Homeownership Program Works
At Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County, we’ve helped many families through our programs.
If you live in Walworth County, please refer to the links to the application and application process noted above. If you have additional questions, fill out this contact form.
