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Get Matched Free →River City Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
How much assistance
Affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built or rehabilitated home (no traditional down payment required; sweat equity hours replace cash down payment) (Repayable Loan)
Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit, with an affordable mortgage (often 0% or low interest) held by Habitat. 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 Cole County. Exact limits and household size brackets are set by River City Habitat and updated periodically. Contact the affiliate directly.
- First-time buyer required: No
- Geographic restrictions: Service area centered in Jefferson City and the surrounding mid-Missouri region (primarily Cole County). Homes are built or rehabbed by Habitat and sold only to approved partner families.
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for River City Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Step 1: Visit rivercityhabitat.org or call (573) 635-6106 to confirm whether the affiliate is currently accepting homeownership applications.
Step 2: Attend an informational meeting or orientation if one is 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 as a partner family, 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 River City Habitat.
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). This is not a down payment assistance program for a home you choose on the open market — it is a full homeownership program where Habitat builds or rehabs the home and sells it to the partner family.