Homeownership

The Habitat Model

Habitat for Humanity of Butte County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. We partner with local individuals and families to help make safe, stable and affordable homeownership possible. With manageable housing costs, homeowners can build greater financial independence, invest in their future and create a foundation for stability and intergenerational wealth.

Our affordable homeownership program works to remove barriers to homeownership for individuals and families throughout Butte County. Through an affordable, partnership-based approach, future homeowners actively participate in their homeownership journey, building alongside Habitat, volunteers and community partners while investing in their future.

Our homeownership model is built around long-term affordability and partnership:

Affordable monthly housing payments help homeowners manage housing costs while building greater financial stability and independence.
Future homeowners actively participate in the homebuilding process, contributing their time, skills and commitment as they build alongside volunteers, Habitat staff and community partners.

Qualification Criteria

Affordable homeownership can create opportunities that extend far beyond a home. A safe, stable and affordable home can provide a foundation for greater financial independence, health, education and well-being, while helping families build stability and wealth for future generations.

Learn more about the qualifications for Habitat for Humanity of Butte County’s affordable homeownership program below.

Individuals and families who apply to Habitat for Humanity of Butte County must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing.

Current housing circumstances may include:

Households experiencing circumstances that may create greater barriers to safe, affordable housing, including people affected or displaced by disaster, single-parent households, adults age 65 or older, people with disabilities, and people living with a long-term illness. Priority may be given to households experiencing these circumstances.
Housing costs that exceed 30% of the household’s gross income.
Overcrowded housing, including more than two children sharing a room, adults sharing a room with children, or children of different sexes sharing a room.
Housing with significant maintenance or repair concerns.
Living in public housing.
Difficulty accessing adequate housing.
A desire to become a homeowner.

Habitat for Humanity of Butte County works with homebuyers to help make homeownership affordable and sustainable for the long term. Individuals and families who apply must demonstrate the ability to meet the financial responsibilities of homeownership.

Income and financial qualifications include:

Household income: Monthly gross household income must be between 60% and 80% of the HUD median income for Paradise. Income must be stable, and any supplementary income must also be stable and likely to continue.
Debt-to-income ratio: Debt-to-income ratios must fall within the required 33/41 limits.
Down payment: Homebuyers must be able to make a $2,000 down payment to Habitat for Humanity of Butte County at least 30 days before closing.
Previous homeownership: Homebuyers must not have owned a home within the past three years.
Monthly budget: Homebuyers must demonstrate the ability to manage a monthly budget.
Payment and employment history: Homebuyers must demonstrate a history of timely payments and meet applicable work history requirements.
First-time homebuyer programs: Homebuyers must be able to qualify for and participate in applicable state and federal first-time homebuyer programs.
Assets: Individuals under age 62 with assets exceeding $15,000 and individuals age 62 or older with assets exceeding $20,000 will be required to apply those excess assets toward the down payment.
Credit: A credit score below 650 will require additional documentation.
Liens and judgments: Any liens or judgments must be able to be cleared before closing.
Delinquencies and bankruptcies: Homebuyers must be free of significant delinquencies or bankruptcies.

Building and buying a Habitat home is a collaborative process. Future homeowners actively participate throughout their homeownership journey, working alongside Habitat staff, volunteers and community partners.

Participation: Each adult in the household must complete at least 250 hours of participation from the beginning of the partnership through completion of the home. These hours are an opportunity for future homeowners to contribute their time, skills and commitment throughout the homebuilding process.

Community commitment: Future homeowners must demonstrate a commitment to their community and to maintaining a drug-free community.

Permanent residency: Individuals who apply must provide proof of lawful permanent residency, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Criminal record: No adult household member may have a criminal record that poses a likely future risk to neighbors, Habitat staff or Habitat volunteers.

Ready To Apply?

Applications for the 2025–2026 homeownership season are now closed. Please check back for updates about the 2026–2027 application season.