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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The Habitat for Humanity of Autauga and Chilton Counties are building four new homes in Clanton and will be taking applications for two of them this September. The four homes are being built on the south side of 1st Avenue between 11th Street S. and 12th Street S.

Jacklyn Christian, a board member with the Habitat for Humanity of Autauga and Chilton Counties, said she is deeply committed to the mission of building safe and affordable homes for families in need within the Chilton County community.

“At the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live,” Christian said. “In our community, this mission has translated into countless stories of lives transformed through the stability and security that comes with owning a home. For many families, the dream of homeownership has seemed unattainable due to financial constraints or other challenges. Habitat for Humanity steps in to bridge that gap … By providing affordable housing options to those in need.”

Applications for two of the homes will be accepted on Sept. 12 and 14, and those applicants must call the Family Selection Chairman (205-294-5347) no later than Sept. 4 to schedule an appointment. Applications and instructions will be mailed to applicants to complete. Appointments for applicants will be held in groups, and if married, both spouses must apply together at the same appointment. Only adults may attend the appointments.

Christian said Habitat for Humanity is more than just building houses, but building community as well. The process of building a Habitat home brings together volunteers, local businesses and future homeowners in a shared effort. Christian believes that the collaboration builds bonds between community members, fosters a sense of unity and mutual support of one another.

Details for the applications include applicants falling into the current Chilton HUD income brackets. When applying, applicants must fall into the appropriate category to be considered for a home. The current Chilton HUD income units are — one-person household income needs to range from $15,450-$30,900, two-person household income from $20,440-$33,880, three-person household income from $25,820-$36,740, four-person household income from $31,200-$39,525, five-person household income from $36,580-$41,260 and six-person household income from $41,960-$42,995, but the income limits are subject to change.

The minimum requirements to apply for one of the homes include:

• Must live or work in Chilton County for at least nine months.
• Must meet HUD median income guidelines.
• Must spend more than 30% of gross income on housing or live in substandard conditions.
• Must have a steady monthly income and decent credit report.
• Must have a debt to income ratio below 43%, and be able to pay a mortgage of about $375-$550 per month.
• Must be willing to partner by working sweat equity, completing education classes and paying 2% of your monthly income as a down payment.
• Must not be a registered sex offender, or have a drug conviction within the past three years.

“The need in my hometown is great, but so is our determination to meet it,” Christian said. “As a board member, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that Habitat for Humanity continues to be a force for good in our community. We have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to make a lasting difference. Seeing the need in our hometown has only strengthened my resolve to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission.”

Applicants must bring multiple things to their appointment, and they include:

• Photo identifications for all adults and children in the household.
• Birth certificate and social security card of all family members.
• Custodial court order for other children living in the home.
• Most current two months of income for the household. (Including legal papers for child support, alimony, Social Security, disability, pay stubs and other income.)
• Most recent award letters for Social Security.
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree or separation agreement.
• Most current two months of debt. (Including cars, furniture, appliances, credit cards, etc.)
• Most current rent contract.
• Most current two months of bank, credit union or debit card statements.
• IRS tax returns for the last two years (2022 and 2023) for each adult in the household.
• Name, address and phone number of employers(s) and landlords.
• Most current two months of utility bills. (Including electric, gas, water, cable, phones, insurance, etc.)
• Copies of any loans you have co-signed for, even if you are not making the payments.
• Bankruptcy documents filed in the last seven years.

Habitat for Humanity also has a Home Repair Program that has impacted lives in Chilton County in a positive way as well. The program fixes roofs, repairs flooring, upgrades electrical systems and more. Christian added that it is more than just repairs, but about restoring hope and dignity to individuals and families who may have felt left behind. So far, the program has completed nine home repairs with more planned in the future.

For more information about the application process, visit www.habitatautaugachilton.org or call 334-365-4132.