Learn about Habitat home ownership

Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley will hold an informational meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at St. Monica's Church, 90 N. Kennedy Drive, Route 25, Carpentersville, in the main hall off the north side of parking lot. Anyone interested in learning about the eligibility requirements for Habitat homeownership is invited to attend this meeting.

The meeting will provide a brief overview of Habitat, where and what types of homes are built, what is involved in becoming a Habitat homeowner, and the steps required to be considered for a home. Applications will be distributed at the end of the meeting and must be completed and returned within 30 days.

Habitat for Humanity is an international organization, working in partnership with families who cannot obtain conventional financing to purchase a home. Families are selected on the basis of their need for improved housing, ability to repay an interest-free loan, and their willingness to partner with Habitat in working to build their home.

Applicants must live or work in the organization's service area which includes portions of Kane and Cook counties. Applicants also must meet an annual household income requirement which varies based on the size of the family. For example, a family of four must earn at least $25,000 annually but no more than $44,000.

"Habitat is looking for families who are in need of better housing, meaning their housing conditions are physically inadequate, unsafe or overcrowded. We strive to serve families at the lowest possible income levels who can afford a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $650," said Barbara Beckman, Executive Director. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley plans to build and rehab seven homes in Carpentersville, Elgin and St. Charles next year and is seeking families for those homes.

Help Habitat get the word out to potential applicants. If your company, school, nonprofit, civic organization or church would like Habitat to do an on-site informational meeting, call Lisa at (847) 836-1432. For more information, visit Web site hfhnfv.org.