Building Together
At Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette, we are doing more than helping families purchase a new home. We are helping families change their lives in a way that builds the future. 
Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette is a not-for-profit, Christian ministry that builds houses with individuals and families who have a need for quality, affordable housing.
By using donated materials, volunteer labor and professional services, Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette builds high quality houses at affordable prices.
Additionally, every adult 18 years or older contributes 250 hours of “sweat equity” to the program by helping build their own home or working in another area of the Habitat organization. Upon completion, homes are sold to families for a minimal down payment and a zero-interest, 25-year mortgage. Monthly mortgage payments are recycled to help fund the construction of more houses.
Our Houses
A Habitat house in Tippecanoe County costs an average of $65,000 to build. The typical house built by Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette has 1,050 square feet of finished living space, including 3 bedrooms, 1 and half bathrooms and a garage. Average monthly mortgage payments are $350. Additionally, all Habitat construction is Energy-Star rated.
Becoming a Habitat Homeowner
Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette partners with individuals or families, regardless of their faith, who live or work in Carroll, Tippecanoe and White County and meet the following selection guidelines: Photo provided by John Terhune
1. Need for Housing:
Present housing conditions must be inadequate–overcrowded, unsafe, poor repair, too expensive for your income.
2. Willingness to Partner:
Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette works with families to build each house. In addition to working on your home and fulfilling the sweat equity requirements, participants must also complete financial and homeownership workshops.
3. Ability to Repay the Mortgage:
A family’s income must be between 30% to 60% of the median income for Lafayette. Credit scores are considered, but do not have to be perfect to become a homeowner. Rather, outstanding debt plus current monthly expenses are compared to determine whether mortgage payments can be made.
| Family Size | 30% Median | 75% Median |
|---|---|---|
| One | $13,100 | $32,719 |
| Two | $15,000 | $37,406 |
| Three | $16,850 | $42,094 |
| Four | $18,700 | $46,734 |
| Five | $20,200 | $50,484 |
| Six | $21,700 | $54,234 |
| Seven | $23,200 | $57,984 |
| Eight | $24,700 | $61,734 |
Information Night
If you are interested in purchasing a quality home at an affordable price and would like to learn more about how to become a homeowner please join us at our information night!
Date: 3rd Monday of every month
Location: Habitat Office
420 South 1st Street
Lafayette, IN 47905
Time: 7 PM
If you cannot make it to a meeting please or Sue at (765) 423-4590 x 104 to setup an individual appointment.
Applicants will need to supply copies (NOT Originals) of all the following, if applicable:
- Most recent pay stubs.
- Most recent tax return.
- Most recent W-2 forms.
- Verifications of all other income and benefits. (food stamps, SSI, SSD, TANF, etc.)
- Child support verification.
- Bankruptcy information/discharge papers.
- Two most recent rent receipts.
If you would like to learn more about homeownership, contact Sue Young at [sue@lafayettehabitat.org] or [phone: 765-423-4590 Ext. 104] and we will contact you before we have our next meeting.
To print a homeownership brochure for Tippecanoe County, White County, or Carroll County.
