donate

Home > Homeownership Program 

homeownership program

Habitat for Humanity Ontario North’s affordable homeownership program bridges the gap for working individuals and families living with low-to-moderate income who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to own a home.

click here for current and future homeownership opportunities in our territory

our approach

Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North doesn’t give away homes. We partner with families to build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. Our model blends manageable mortgage payments, hands-on community involvement, and ongoing support to set homeowners up for long-term success.

A Habitat home is more than shelter — it’s a foundation for healthier, brighter futures in our communities. Research shows that safe, affordable housing improves health, boosts educational outcomes, and creates financial breathing room for what’s next. At Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, we believe a little support can unlock a lifetime of self-reliance.

Maple leafAll family members moving into the homes must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Applicant/co-applicant must be first-time homebuyers.
You must meet the income guidelines set by Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.
At least one of the applicants must be employed full-time, or full-time equivalent.
You must be able to pay an affordable mortgage.
Applicant(s) must be willing to partner with us by contributing 500 volunteer hours to your home build, a local ReStore or in your community.
Applicant and/or co-applicant must have at least two to three years of employment history. Record of Employment must be provided.
No bankruptcies. Any previous bankruptcy must have been discharged at least two years ago. Consumer proposals may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn More

Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North currently partners with families with a gross annual income of between $40,000 and $90,000.

Learn More

“Able to pay” means that your family earns enough income to pay an affordable mortgage based on the fair market value of the home, in addition to property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and all other costs associated with owning a home.

Learn More

Willingness to partner means you are (1) willing to participate in Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North volunteer activities, including fundraising events, public announcements, and celebrations; (2) willing to become an ambassador for Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and volunteer 500 hours of service, either helping to build your home, helping to build another family’s home or taking part in other community service opportunities with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North or other approved organizations; (3) willing to work with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and begin accumulating volunteer hours immediately after being informed of acceptance as a family who partners with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.

Embarking on the journey towards homeownership with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North involves several steps, each carefully designed to ensure a successful partnership between Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and the families who partner with us. While the process may take several months to complete, it’s crucial to ensure that both parties are a good fit for one another. Here’s what you can expect:

Please note that applications are available only when Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North has active builds.
We do not keep a waitlist.

submission of expression of interest

Prospective applicants must first submit an expression of interest to indicate their desire to participate in the Homeownership Program and determine their eligibility. Expressions of Interest are available here.

homeownership education

Once Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North reviews your application to ensure it is complete and that you meet the eligibility requirements (such as income, residency, and employment), you may be invited to attend a virtual education session. After that, you could receive an invitation to submit a full homeownership application.

evaluation of your application

After considering all applications, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North will review your application and either approve, deny, or request additional information. If approved, you will be notified and asked to sign a partnership agreement, marking the official start of your journey with us.

home visit

The Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North team will schedule a home visit to meet with you and your family in person and assess your current living conditions. They will evaluate criteria such as the amount of living space, the condition of the property and the safety of your neighbourhood. We’ll also interview you and, if applicable, your co-applicant. This is also an opportunity for us to clarify any information on the application form and provide detailed information about the homeownership program.

second home visit

A follow-up home visit may be scheduled to gather additional information or confirm details provided durnig the initial visit.

approval

We’ll review all the information collected and may submit a recommendation to our CEO for approval. If approved, you and your family will be eligible to begin completing your required 500 volunteer hours, an essential part of our partnership. This volunteering allows you to support Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and contribute to our shared mission.

Ready to take the first step toward homeownership? Apply for Habitat Gateway North’s Homeownership Program.

We’re now accepting expressions of interest for homes in Gravenhurst and Parry Sound.
If you’re interested in joining Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North’s homeownership program,
please click the Expression of Interest button to initiate the first phase of the application process.

We are committed to supporting individuals and families in their pursuit of safe and affordable housing, but we understand that not everyone may qualify for our Homeownership Program. For those experiencing homelessness or who need emergency shelter, please visit https://211ontario.ca for a list of available resources.

faq

How do I apply for the Homeownership Program?

When housing opportunities become available, Expression of Interest forms will be posted on the Application tab. Please note that applications are available only when Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North has active builds. We do not keep a waitlist.

Are there income requirements?

Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North currently partners with families in with a gross annual income between $40,000 and $90,000.

What will be my cost for housing?

Families who partner with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North receive affordable mortgages with no down payment, tailored to their income. Homes are sold at fair market value. Monthly payments are capped at 30% of gross household income and include both the mortgage principal and property taxes.

Can I apply for the Homeownership Program if I have bad credit?

While credit history is considered during the application process, it is not necessarily a disqualifying factor. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North understands that individuals may face financial challenges and works with applicants to assess their overall financial situation and determine eligibility for the program.

How are homebuyers selected?

Families who partner with us are chosen based on their level of housing need, their ability to repay Habitat’s affordable mortgage and their willingness to partner with Habitat. Families must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Priority will also be given to those who are from the community in which we are building.

What happens if I am deemed ineligible for the Homeownership Program?

If you are not eligible for the Homeownership Program at this time, you will receive an email notifying you of this decision. You may reapply if your circumstances change.

How long does the homeownership process take?

The timeline for the homeownership process can vary based on several factors, such as the availability of housing units, construction progress, and the applicant’s readiness to proceed. Families can move into their home once the following steps are completed:

 

  • The home is fully constructed
  • All required volunteer hours are completed
  • Interim occupancy documents have been signed
  • The dedication ceremony (if applicable) has taken place

The start of construction for a Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North home depends on the availability of key resources, including land, permits, volunteers, funding, and building materials.

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone: (705) 646-0106
Email: info@habitatgatewaynorth.com