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Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity believes every person deserves a decent, affordable home. We believe no one should pay more than 30% of their income on housing. Our program provides a unique homeownership opportunity by offering a “hand up, not a hand out.” Habitat homebuyers help build or fix up their house and take out an affordable mortgage. Becoming a homeowner is an exciting challenge, and we are here to help!

Application Steps: 

1. Read the guidelines to determine if you are a good fit for the program. 
2. Complete the Cayuga Habitat for Humanity Application for Homeownership.
3. Include the following information along with the completed Application for EACH Applicant:

a. A copy of your photo ID

b. A copy of your social security card

c. A copy of the most 2 recent pay stubs for all of the applicants ( if employed) or a copy of the most current aware letter (if receiving fixed income such as social security, disability income, pensions, etc)

d. A copy of W2’s (or 1099s) for each applicant for 2020, 2021, and 2022 (if employed)

e. A copy of all pages of your last 2 months of bank statements (include copies all asset accounts, including checking, savings and retirement accounts, if any)

Eligibility: We evaluate applications based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or familial status.

A successful Cayuga County Habitat homebuyer:

• Is in need of decent housing.
• Has a steady income. Total gross household income maximum amounts are listed in the table below based on household size.
• Is a good credit risk, and able to qualify for an affordable home loan. Worried about your credit? We can help you get started on your path to home purchase.
• Is willing and able to invest 250 hours of Sweat Equity per household, of which 100 must be construction-related. Appropriate accommodations will be made for households with physical limitations, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Habitat homebuyers help build their homes, take homebuyer education classes, assist with events and more. Some hours may be earned through achievement of agreed upon household goals of adults and children including academic progress.
• Has not owned a home in the last three years.
• Is a US Citizen or can provide proof of permanent residency status (green card).
• Lives in Cayuga County or is willing to move there because this is where our affiliate operates.

Cayuga County applicant maximum gross household income for 2023 (80% of the area median income- $87,900)

Applicants meeting initial criteria will be required to complete a Habitat Orientation that highlights organizational history, homeownership model, sweat equity requirements and other processes.

Feel free to call to request an application or click HERE to download an application. Our mailing address:

Cayuga Habitat for Humanity – P.O. Box 1903  Auburn, NY 13021

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW: 

1) Sign up for a free online Homebuyer Orientation 60 minute class through our partner agency Homsite/Home Headquarters.

2) Volunteer on our construction sites.  Any hours you contribute will count toward required 250 “sweat equity” hours should you be selected as a Partner Family. More information on volunteering for Habitat can be found here: https://www.cayugahabitat.org/volunteer. You can also sign up for our volunteer newsletter.

Please contact us at 315-255-1427 or email us at cayugahabitat@cayugahabitat.org with any questions or concerns. In-person application assistance is available upon request.