St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Step 1: Attend a Homeownership Information Meeting at Habitat's office (3131 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64506) or call 816-279-2552 to learn about the program and schedule.

Step 2: Complete the pre-application with details on your income, household size, and housing situation. Meet baseline requirements: steady employment, no bankruptcy in the last 2 years, no foreclosure in the last 4 years, and on-time bill payment history for the last 12 months.

Step 3: If pre-qualified, complete a full application and submit income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements). Habitat verifies income falls between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income for Buchanan County.

Step 4: Upon approval, partner with Habitat by contributing "sweat equity" — hundreds of hours of volunteer labor helping build your home and others' homes — and complete required homebuyer education.

Step 5: Purchase your Habitat-built home with a 0% interest mortgage. Monthly payments are set so housing costs do not exceed 30% of household income. Contact: 816-279-2552 or visit stjoehabitat.org.