How Does It Work?
Affordable home ownership program for first time home buyers
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is a registered charity whose mission is to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Families are selected on the basis of need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Habitat Thunder Bay builds houses, with community support, that are sold to families that meet our criteria. There is no down payment and the mortgage is interest free. Each family partners with Habitat Thunder Bay by contributing volunteer hours. An independent Family Selection committee is responsible for reviewing and assessing the applications.
Who Can Apply?
Families including single parent families, families with children and families with elder relatives living in their home (as long as there are children) can apply. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and we embrace all socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Building Homes – Building Neighbourhoods
Habitat Thunder Bay wants to do more than build houses. We also want to build a strong community. We are looking for good neighbours; families who are willing to partner with us and with others in our community.
Interest Free Mortgage
The home is purchased from Habitat Thunder Bay with an interest free mortgage that Habitat Thunder Bay carries. The mortgage has a number of special terms, including a buy-back provision in the event that the homeowner wishes to sell.
Partnership
Habitat Thunder Bay does not give away houses. Houses are sold to our future homeowners at current market value, with special conditions including no down payment and an interest free mortgage.
How Do I Apply?
When we are accepting applications, you will be able to access information regarding the application process on our home page of our website and on our social media platforms.
Family Volunteer Hours
Each selected future homeowner will volunteer a total of 500 family volunteer hours, which must be completed prior to getting a mortgage on their Habitat home. Families will work on the construction of their own or other Habitat homes, in our ReStore, or other fundraising events. Family volunteer hours are an important way to demonstrate commitment to homeownership and their partnership with Habitat Thunder Bay. Family volunteer hours are not a down payment and there is no monetary compensation for family volunteer hours.
Do I need to submit my CRA forms, pay stubs & Equifax Credit Report?
If you are shortlisted, the Family Selection Committee will advise which documents are required, and you will be reimbursed for any costs associated with obtaining these documents. You do not need to have perfect credit, but show that you are responsibly managing your debt.
Cost and Size of the Homes
Habitat Thunder Bay builds decent, affordable homes with some volunteer labour in order to help reduce construction costs. In addition to mortgage payments, the Habitat homeowner is also responsible for the payment of property taxes, city user fees, strata fees, insurance, maintenance and all costs associated with owning and maintaining a home.