Opening Doors to Dreams:

High Demand for Habitat Homeownership

Affordable housing is a big issue in our community, with about one-third of Forsyth County families struggling due to high housing costs. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County helps by offering affordable homeownership to families earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income, and ensuring their mortgage doesn't exceed 30% of their annual gross income. 

This summer, we held Zoom orientations to educate potential applicants about our program. When we opened the application window on September 11th, the response exceeded our expectations: 

• Over 900 people signed up for program notifications. 
• 663 attended our orientations. 
• We distributed 725 applications, and 203 were submitted. 

Our Family Services department carefully reviews each application, focusing on credit reports to assess mortgage readiness. Financial literacy is crucial, and families must set and achieve goals like saving, timely debt payments, and avoiding more debt. We offer adult education, one-on-one credit counseling, and budgeting to promote long-term financial stability. 

We deny applications for various reasons, including income above or below the guidelines, high debt-to-income ratios, excessive delinquent debt over $15,000, high medical collections, and student loans over 1.5 times their annual income. 

Out of 200 applicants this year, we can accept 25-35. Our program not only provides immediate relief with affordable mortgages but also sets the stage for generational wealth and stable, nurturing households for children. 

Empowering Mobility: Habitat's Home Repair

Team Creates Safe Access

Dealing with knee and arthritis problems, 63-year-old Rebecca faced challenges entering and leaving her home every day. She sought assistance from Habitat Forsyth’s Home Repair department. The iron railings at her front entry had become unstable over the years, posing a hazard. Our repair team crafted new, sturdy railings and installed a ramp, enabling Rebecca to access her home more easily. Now, she enjoys sitting on her deck, waving to passing neighbors with a newfound sense of security.

Habitat Forsyth assists income-qualified homeowners in correcting housing conditions that pose an imminent threat to life, safety, accessibility and further deterioration of the home. Our repairs allow homeowners, often seniors living on fixed incomes, to age in place in the safety and security of their own home. 

A Wave of Service: Tsunami's Inspiring Impact in Home Communities

With a name that embodies strength and expertise, Habitat Forsyth’s new AmeriCorps member, Tsunami Lott, showcases remarkable fortitude and exceptional construction skills on the building site. Dedicated to the Habitat mission, Tsunami brings unwavering determination to every project.

“When I first found out about Habitat’s mission and principles to build sustainable and affordable homes, communities, and HOPE, I felt a tug on my heart to take part in serving, despite not having any construction experience. Now that I’ve been serving for over two months, I can attest that serving with Habitat is just as warm and welcoming as it looks in the pictures and videos,” expressed Tsunami while working on a Habitat build site in Winston-Salem.

Habitat AmeriCorps is part of the growing national service movement. In partnership with Habitat organizations throughout the U.S., our program places AmeriCorps members to serve in the field and in the office to build and repair homes, expand housing services and engage the community. A service term with Habitat provides hands-on nonprofit experience that allows members to learn and develop lifelong skills and confidence. Our members serve a critical role in helping Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future for themselves and their families. 

There are many benefits available to serving with Habitat AmeriCorps, including a post-service award for student loans or educational expenses. If you are interested in spending 10-1/2 months serving with the Habitat Forsyth construction team as an AmeriCorps member, contact debbie.cesta@habitatforsyth.org.