How you can apply for affordable homeownership in Ithaca

ITHACA, N.Y. ( WETM ) – Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland counties is accepting applications for its affordable homeownership program until the beginning of April.

The organization is recruiting homebuyers for three-bedroom/one-bathroom, two-story homes that are located in the city of Ithaca. Applications are being accepted from Feb. 1 until April 1, 2024.

Habitat homebuyers are required to contribute a minimum of 350 hours of “sweat equity,” either helping to build or fix their home before taking out an affordable mortgage to purchase. Families who experience hardship can choose a surrogate family member to earn hours on their behalf.

In addition to contributing to the construction of the home, homebuyers must complete homeownership and financial education courses to prepare for the purchase of their home.

This homeownership program supports first-time homebuyers who make at least $40,000 per year gross household income and under 60% of the area median income. These applicants are evaluated based on need, ability to pay and willingness to contribute to the construction.

Those who are interested in applying for the program are encouraged to attend one of the following application information sessions before applying:

• In-person: Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Southside Community Center located at 305 South Plain Street in Ithaca
• Virtual: Monday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Register online .
• In-person: Saturday, March 9 at 10 a.m. at the Lansing Community Library located at 27 Auburn Road in Lansing
• Virtual: Thursday, March 14 from noon until 1 p.m. Register online .

For more information about eligibility and how to apply for the program, visit the Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties website .

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