Home Ownership
A safe, stable home changes everything. Manistee County Habitat for Humanity partners with local families to build and purchase affordable homes through a proven, supportive homeownership program.
Our homes are built with volunteer labor, donated materials, and the hard work of future homeowners themselves. Families purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage — this is not a rental program — and every mortgage payment helps build the next Habitat home in Manistee County.
New Home Builds
Manistee County Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates homes in partnership with families who are ready for the responsibilities of homeownership. Each home is sold with an affordable, no‑profit mortgage designed to keep monthly payments manageable.
Who Qualifies
Final determination is based on several key factors:
1. Need for Adequate Housing
Overcrowded, unsafe, or substandard living conditions
Housing that is temporary, unstable, or unaffordable
2. Ability to Pay
Steady, reliable income
Demonstrated financial responsibility
Ability to afford a monthly mortgage payment at ~25% of gross income (including taxes & insurance)
Ability to cover projected utilities (electric/gas and water/sewer)
3. Residency Requirements
Proof of living in Manistee County for at least one year
4. Financial Standing
No bankruptcy filings within the past 2 years
No outstanding collections, liens, or judgments that cannot reasonably be resolved before the home is completed
5. Willingness to Partner
Completion of 200 hours of sweat equity per adult family member, working alongside volunteers and staff to help build your home or support Habitat’s work
Sweat Equity Requirements
Sweat equity is a core part of the Habitat partnership — not a down payment, not a fee, and not a monetary contribution. It’s a meaningful investment in your future home and community.
How Sweat Equity Works
Each adult in the household must complete 200 hours before moving into the home
Families work with a Habitat advocate to create a plan for completing their hours
Hours can be earned on the construction site or through other approved Habitat activities
Why Sweat Equity Matters
Sweat Equity Builds Partnership
Families and volunteers work side‑by‑side, forming relationships and building community as they build homes.
Sweat Equity Builds Pride
Habitat is a hand‑up, not a handout. Families take an active role in creating their future home, which builds confidence and ownership.
Sweat Equity Builds Skills & Knowledge
Partner families gain hands‑on experience and practical knowledge that helps them maintain and thrive in their new home.
Program Details
Affordable, No‑Profit Mortgage
Habitat earns no profit from the sale of the home
Mortgage payments are kept affordable and predictable
Payments go directly back into building more homes in Manistee County
Upfront Costs
$1,000 down payment
First year of homeowner’s insurance paid by the homeowner
Education & Support
We partner with organizations that provide:
Homeowner education
Financial literacy classes
Long‑term support to help families succeed
Improved educational outcomes for children
Better overall household health
Increased independence and responsibility
Homes designed to meet family needs
Pride and accomplishment from helping build your own home
Affordable mortgage
Low monthly payments
Energy‑efficient homes with lower utility costs
Attractive, well‑constructed homes
Brand new Whirlpool appliances
Greater stability for families
Benefits of Habitat Homeownership
If you think you meet the qualifications for applying for a new home, please click the "PRE-SCREENING APPLICATION" button.
If you have any questions about filling out the application please call 231-723-7458 or 231-690-5885 or you can email us at habitat.manistee.county@gmail.com we will return your call as soon as possible.