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Get Matched Free →Cape Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
How much assistance
Affordable Habitat-built or rehabbed home with a below-market mortgage (no cash down payment; sweat equity hours replace cash down) (Repayable Loan)
Habitat sells the home to the partner family at no profit with an affordable mortgage (typically 0% or low interest) held by the Cape Area affiliate. There is no forgivable component — the buyer repays Habitat over the life of the loan. Resale restrictions and a right of first refusal typically apply.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Typically 30%-80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for Cape Girardeau County. Exact household-size brackets are set by Cape Area Habitat and updated periodically.
- First-time buyer required: No
- Geographic restrictions: Serves Cape Girardeau County, MO. Homes are built or rehabbed by Cape Area Habitat and sold only to approved partner families. Not a down payment assistance program for homes on the open market.
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Cape Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Step 1: Visit capeareahabitat.org or call the Cape Area affiliate to confirm whether they are currently accepting new homeownership applications.
Step 2: Attend an informational meeting or orientation if required.
Step 3: Submit a full application documenting household income, current housing conditions, and credit history.
Step 4: If pre-qualified, complete an in-home interview with the Family Selection Committee.
Step 5: Once selected, complete required sweat equity hours (typically 200-500 hours, building your own home and/or other Habitat homes) and complete homebuyer education.
Step 6: Close on your Habitat home with an affordable mortgage held by the Cape Area affiliate.
Notes
Partner families must demonstrate three qualifications: need for decent housing, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner (including completing sweat equity hours on their own home and other Habitat builds). Office located at 2365 Rust Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.