Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity provides the opportunity for hardworking families currently living in Dona Ana County to become successful homeowners. Habitat offers a ‘hand-up, not a handout’ by making it possible for struggling families to own their own home.
Program Criteria
Needs: Needs are established by assessing the applicants current housing physical conditions, overcrowding, safety or medical issues and excessive rent costs.
Ability to Pay: Ability to pay is determined by a demonstration of a steady income and an analysis of existing debt and obligations.
Willingness to Partner: Each Habitat Partner Family agrees to contribute 250 hours (per adult) of work towards homeownership. These hours include (150) on the construction site, (75) in volunteer work with fundraisers our ReStore, other community activities and (25) in course work focusing on Financial Preparedness & Life Management.
Application Process
When: October to end of April
We invite you to visit our administrative office to inquire about our program and potential partnership opportunity. Our interest session is open October-April, each year. This is the first step in the program and is required to be eligible to receive an application from Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity. This step must be completed before the application distribution period begins. Each application with all required documentation is due by the last business day of May.
Applying to and becoming a part of the Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity program is not an overnight process. Much of it depends on how long it takes for you to complete your required sweat equity hours.
There are several steps that we follow with prospective homeowners to ensure that we are accepting individuals and families who are in need of simple, decent and affordable housing.
What To Expect
1. Visit our office to complete the Interest Form between the months of October-April.
2. The applications will be distributed starting the first business day of May.
3. Each application with all required documentation is due the last business day of May.
4. All applications will be processed and reviewed to determine the program criteria and income requirements are met.
5. If you are an eligible applicant and all program requirements are met, a member of our Family Selection Committee will contact you to coordinate a meeting to verify your need for housing.
6. Once these steps are completed, and your application has been approved based on need, our Executive Director will contact you to discuss your participation in our program.
7. Once you have received notification that you are a qualified Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity partner family, you will be provided with all program policies, sweat equity hour agreements, and all pertinent information and guidelines.
8. As a partner family, you work alongside dedicated local and traveling volunteers and staff to complete the construction of your future home.
9. Your home will be deeded to you. You move in and become a homeowner – and begin making monthly mortgage payments.
Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building simple, decent homes in Las Cruces where people can live and grow into all that God intended.
