Merrimack Habitat for Humanity uses the following selection criteria to determine eligibility for home ownership, following an in-depth interview and qualifications evaluation by members of the Family Selection Committee.

1. Need for Adequate Shelter - The first consideration in selecting a partner family is the lack of adequate shelter. Typically, our families come to us from overcrowded or substandard housing, and often they have had to give up too much of their income for shelter.

• Substandard Housing - if there are problems with the heating system, water supply, electricity, bathroom(s), kitchen, structure, etc.
• Applicant pays more than 40% of their income on rent.
• Overcrowding-if the number of bedrooms as determined by number, ages, and sex of household members is inadequate.
• Economic Disadvantage - The family must be unable to obtain a conventional or government-assisted mortgage loan to purchase a home.

2. Income and Ability to Pay - The family income must be adequate to cover monthly housing costs of approximately $600.

3. Willingness to Partner - The family must demonstrate a willingness to participate as a partner with Habitat. Prospective homeowners must demonstrate a commitment to their home and community, as well as to Habitat. These criteria will be evaluated by interviewing the applicant family members and their references.

In accordance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate with regards to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicapping conditions, family status, marital status, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract).