Ottumwa Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that its latest residential project, located at 318 South Davis, is nearing completion. The organization is seeking qualified individuals or families to apply for homeownership of this newly constructed property.
The home at 318 South Davis is a spacious, energy-efficient three-bedroom house designed to provide a stable and affordable environment for a local family to thrive.
How the Program Works
Ottumwa Habitat for Humanity operates on the principle that affordable homeownership should be accessible to those who are willing to partner in the process. This is not a “giveaway” program; rather, it is a partnership between Habitat and the community.
Selected homeowners purchase their homes through a low-interest mortgage, making monthly payments that are more affordable than traditional market rates. A core requirement of the program is “sweat equity”—the homeowner must contribute a set number of hours toward the construction of their own home or other Habitat projects, demonstrating a deep personal investment in their future.. Selected homeowners must contribute a significant number of hours toward the construction of their own home or other Habitat projects such as administrative tasks, or participating in site cleanup, landscaping or other tasks.
Who Qualifies?
Applicants are evaluated based on three primary criteria: a documented need for housing due to overcrowded or unsafe conditions, a steady ability to pay the mortgage and property taxes, and a genuine willingness to partner through the sweat equity program.
Eligibility is tied to the Area Median Income (AMI) for Wapello County. Habitat for Humanity serves individuals and families who demonstrate a steady ability to pay a low-interest mortgage but currently fall within specific low-to-moderate income brackets based on their household size.
These limits are updated annually and are scaled to household size. For instance, currently in Wapello County, a family of 4 can qualify with an annual income up to $55,200, which represents 60% of the AMI. Similarly, a family of 5 may qualify with an annual income of up to $59,640.
“We are incredibly excited to see 318 South Davis come to life,” said Lindsay Worth, Habitat president. “This house represents more than just walls and a roof; it represents a fresh start and long-term stability for a family in our community. We encourage anyone who meets the criteria to reach out and start the application process.”
How to Apply
Interested applicants can find more information and application at www.iowahabitat.org/program-application
