Habitat for Humanity Tacoma/Pierce County has a unique opportunity for veterans and their families and are currently seeking qualified veterans to apply for their homeownership program.

Before applying, future homeowners must first meet certain program requirements that fit within Habitat for Humanity's accountability standards. "At every stage of the program, applicants must be willing to work hard -- knowing that everything they do serves their future," according to their website. 

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity's homebuyer program is designed for households with a maximum gross income (before taxes) of 80 percent of Area Median Income, based on household size (all individuals living in the household).

If you meet all the requirements listed above, and are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, the next step in the process is to take the Habitat for Humanity's veteran self-assessment to get started, then applicants will be contacted personally with the next steps. Assessment link can be found at their website or at tpc-habitat.org/homeownership/veterans.

All prospective homebuyers that qualify and meet required standards during the self-assessment with Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity must also register for two classes:

• First Time Homebuyer's Class -- presented by Washington State Housing Finance Commission. This class can be taken at any time.

• Homeowner Information Session -- presented by Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. Veterans will be contacted with instructions on how to register. For non-veterans, the next series of Homeowner Information Sessions will open for registration Sept. 3. Please email homeowner@tpc-habitat.org on or after Sept. 3 to register for one of their fall sessions.

Future homebuyers will be required to present a personal written statement that explains current circumstances and how a Habitat home will improve those conditions.

Every case is different and reviewed individually; however, some examples of circumstances can include:

• Paying too much for rent

• Overcrowded living space

• Living with family or friends

• Unsafe or unhealthy environments

There are a few additional qualifications required for interested applicants to the Habitat for Humanity Program:

• Prospective homeowners will also need to pre-qualify for a fixed-term, fixed-rate mortgage from a third-party lender (FDIC insured or DFI verified).

• Applicant's monthly debt payments should not exceed 13 percent of the household's gross income.

• A credit score of 620 or higher for both the applicant and co-applicant is needed to qualify for a mortgage.

• Credit reports cannot have any open collections, judgment, or liens.

• Any foreclosures and/or bankruptcies must be discharged at least two years from the date that the application is submitted.

• At the time of application, applicants must have lived or worked in Pierce County for the last 12 consecutive months.

• This is a first-time homebuyer program; applicants cannot have owned property.

The spirit of community lives on with each and every future homeowner that partner with Habitat. Homeowners within the Habitat for Humanity Program must give back to the program and community in the following ways:

• Volunteering 200-500 sweat equity hours within 12 months, building your prospective home, community, and in volunteering in the Habitat Stores.

• Commitment to consistent and honest communication with Habitat staff.

• Attend required homebuyer education courses -- within six months of acceptance to the program; applicants must make a $1,000 earnest money payment toward their new home.

• Most Habitat homes have a monthly housing cost of approximately $1,100 including mortgage, property taxes, and insurance.

To learn more information on this program and how to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, please visit: tpc-habitat.org/homeownership/veterans.