Sandtown Habitat rehabilitates and builds simple, decent and affordable houses in partnership with the homeowner family using mostly volunteer labor and private funding, selling the completed homes at cost to low-income families on a 20- or 30-year mortgage with no interest charged. Generally, a Habitat family income level is approximately 30 to 50 percent of the area’s median income, which is approximately $12,000 to $25,000 (but may vary depending on family size).

Sandtown Habitat houses are either two or three-story row houses; the average construction cost of a Sandtown Habitat house is between $65,000 and $115,000, about half of the cost for traditional development. Cost is kept low through maximum use of volunteer labor and donated materials and the family who will own the home investing at least 330 hours of “sweat equity” in their own home and others.

A family selection committee reviews applications and selects homeowners based on the following criteria:

1. Level of need – is primarily based on level of income.            

2. Ability to repay the loan – demonstrate that you have a reliable source of income, ability to pay a 3-5% down payment, and credit history is satisfactory.

3. Willingness to become partners in the program – by fulfilling the requirement of sweat equity hours and attending homeowner workshops.

The application process is open at various times throughout the year. Individuals and families who wish to apply for a Habitat home must pick up the application at Sandtown Habitat, which is located at 1300 N. Fulton Avenue, Baltimore, MD. A non-refundable $25 application fee applies (only money orders or cashier’s checks accepted).
 

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity
1300 N. Fulton Avenue Baltimore, MD 21217
Phone: 410.669.3309
Fax: 410.523.3015