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How to Apply

Every family needs a strong foundation to build a brighter future

Application

Thank you for your interest in applying!
  • Full Applications are NOW CLOSED for 2025 builds. Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Brianna for any questions regarding your application.
Click Here to be added to the Interest List for Future Applications
Click Here to Access the Application Class Recording!

Application Frequently Asked Questions:

Additional Application Materials Guide
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have additional questions about your application?

Please schedule an appointment with Brianna to either talk through your questions over the phone or meet in-person. If you call or show up at the office without an appointment, there is no guarantee that she’ll be available to help you.

Schedule an Appointment with Brianna

How to submit your completed application:

If you have provided all of the information requested on your application and used the checklist to gather your external documentation, then you are ready to submit your application.

Please mail your completed application to our PO Box before August 31st to be considered for this year:

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity,

Attn: Brianna

PO Box 1022

Moorhead, MN 56561

Homeownership Program Requirement Overview

How families are chosen:

The selection of families who will purchase homes from Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is done by our Family Selection committee in a way that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin or because all or part of the applicant’s income is derived from public assistance programs. The applicant families go through the required application and interview process to determine their needs and the ability to meet LAHFH’s requirements.

We use the following criteria to choose families each year:

Residency: Families must have lived or worked within the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity service area for the past year. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s service area is Cass County of ND and Clay County of MN.

Housing Need: They must currently live in sub-standard housing with structural defects, health hazards, other unsafe conditions, or housing that is simply too small for the family.

Partnership: They are willing to partner with Habitat in the construction of the home by contributing “sweat equity” hours (300 -550 hours minimum per household). Families agree to care, maintain and repair their own home and yard. Families agree to reflect and represent Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in a positive manner.

Affordability Need: Each family has a household income that falls within Habitat’s guidelines and shows an ability to repay the mortgage.

For 2023-2024 Family Selection, your Annual Gross Income must be within this range in order to be eligible for a Habitat Home.

New income guidelines were updated on 05/24/2023.

Family Size
 Minimum AGI
Maximum AGI
1
$21,900
$43,740
2
$25,000
$49,980
3
$28,150
$56,220
4
$31,250
$62,460
5
$35,140
$67,500
6
$40,280
$72,480
7
$45,420
$77,460
8
$50,560
$82,500
9
$55,700
$87,480
10
$60,840
$92,460

For households 11 people or greater, please contact the LAHFH office to find out income guidelines.

Community Partners:

If you are above our income guidelines for your family size, we recommend you contact the Community Land Trust.

Cass Clay Community Land Trust - Learn More

Sweat Equity

Every Partner Family is required to perform a minimum of 300-550 hours of volunteer work known as “sweat equity” within the Habitat organization before moving into their home. The number of hours required is determined by how many adults live in the household. Sweat equity is an exciting learning experience in which Partner Families work with family, neighbors, and friends to build other Partner Families’ homes as well as their own.

Working alongside volunteers and future neighbors to build their home and community is one of the most rewarding aspects of Habitat for Humanity for Partner Families. Besides working on the construction site, there are many other ways to complete sweat equity hours such as working at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helping in the LAHFH office, and attending classes on home maintenance and financial fitness. Habitat for Humanity does not give handouts, but instead partners with families in need to provide a simple, decent and affordable homes.

Habitat for Humanity does not give handouts, but instead partners with families in need to provide a simple, decent and affordable homes.

If you are below our income guidelines for your family size, we recommend contacting one of the following programs for assistance:

CAPLP - Clay County
SENDCAA - Cass County
YWCA - Women's Shelter/Transitional Housing
Are you ready to apply?

Applications are available July 1-August 4 ONLY and can be obtained by:

1.  Stopping at the Habitat ReStore during store hours of Tuesday -Friday from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th Street North in Moorhead and is accessible by bus. ReStore staff are unable to answer your questions, but all questions will be answered at the Virtual Introduction to Homeownership class.

2. Email: Email your name, mailing address and phone number to brianna@lakeagassizhabitat.org If you request an application by email, they will be sent out on Friday mornings, during the application pick-up period.

3. Postal Mail: Email your name, mailing address and phone number to brianna@lakeagassizhabitat.org If you request an application by mail, they will be sent out on Friday mornings, during the application pick-up period.

Information on LAHFH Introduction to Homeownership Class:

All applicants are highly encouraged to attend a 1-hour LAHFH Introduction to Homeownership Class. Attending this class is part of LAHFH’s “Willingness to Partner” criteria.

This year’s class will be held virtually:

  • Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM
  • Monday, July 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM
  • Monday, July 31, 2023 at 7:00 PM

*Families that do not have access to internet and/or video capabilities need to email Brianna@lakeagassizhabitat.org as soon as possible, to arrange an alternative option.

To register, click the link below:

  1. Complete the online registration form for the date that you works in your schedule.
  2. The class will be held using Microsoft TEAMs. The link is found on the event page.

Each class will cover the application process, how families are selected and how LAHFH builds it houses. The class is free. Interpreters are not provided, but you are welcome to use an interpreter if needed. Do not let your children distract you during the virtual class.

2025 Homeowner Application Packets are due by August 31. Applications must be mailed to: Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, Attn: Brianna, PO Box 1022, Moorhead, MN 56561.

Do not drop off applications at ReStore or the Habitat Office. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity staff are not responsible for misplacing any applications that are dropped off. 

Click Here to Register for the Application Orientation Class
Non-Proselytizing Policy

Habitat for Humanity International (“Habitat”) and its affiliated organizations will not proselytize. Nor will Habitat work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

Equal Housing Opportunity

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.