Habitat urges families to apply for homes

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Habitat for Humanity is ready to build more homes in one local community but still needs qualified South Florida families who are willing to roll up their sleeves to make their dreams of homeownership a reality.

Habitat is prepared to build 40 homes in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood. However, there are not enough families lining up to help build and eventually move into the homes once they are constructed. "We are just waiting on families to select them, so we can extend homeownership for qualified, low-income families," said McKenzie Moore of Habitat for Humanity.

Rashonda Jackson and her two sons moved into their Habitat home seven months ago. "I am happy. I am excited. I love it," she said.

Jackson put sweat equity into her home and helped build her house from the ground up. "I learned drywalls, how to build base boards, how to paint and do it properly the first time," said Jackson.

According to Habitat for Humanity, families who are interested in owning a Habitat home must be low-income. They also must submit a $25 application fee, have no more than $2,000 in bad debt and be willing to contribute between 250 and 300 hours into helping build their new home.

The mortgage on a Habitat home is 30 percent of a family's income. Jackson said her three-bedroom home is actually cheaper than her former residence. She said, "I used to live in an apartment, neighbors really close, nosy, kids used to sit on the porch. I hated it. Now, it's just privacy, me and the boys. I love it. It's more space."

Habitat urges interested families to submit the application and prepare to build. Moore said, "We need some people to come forward and make our vision of Liberty City shine."

If you are looking to apply to become a Habitat homeowner in Miami-Dade County, you need to call the Habitiat offices in Miami-Dade County at 305-634-3628. But remember, you must be a resident in Miami-Dade County.

7News is a proud sponsor of Habitat for Humanity.

(Copyright 2011 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)