Halfway to Home: There’s Still Time to Apply!

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is now accepting pre-applications for our Evan Circle development in Watsonville - and we are already halfway through the application period! All pre-applications are due by Monday, November 24, so if you’re ready to take the next step toward homeownership in Santa Cruz County, now is the time to apply.

Through this program, qualified households can partner with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay to purchase a brand-new home with an affordable mortgage.

The program is designed for families who:

• Have incomes between 50-80% of the Area Median Income in Santa Cruz County

• Are first-time homebuyers (no ownership of a principal residence within the last 3 years)

• Are ready to partner with Habitat - this includes attending an orientation, submitting financial and identification documentation, and putting in 500 hours of “sweat-equity” hours along-side our volunteer construction force

What you need to know:

• The pre-application is the first step. Complete it in full, including required documentation. The Application can be found HERE

• All applicants must attend a Homeownership Orientation detailing everything you need to know about the specific homes available.

• After the pre-application approval, qualified applicants will be invited to submit a full application including credit and background checks.

• Because we’re now at the halfway mark of the application window, we encourage you to act quickly so your file has plenty of time for review.

Why apply now? Owning a home isn’t just about having a roof, it’s about building strength, stability, and self‐reliance for you and your family. Our program is designed to make this possibility real for hardworking households in our community. As one of our past partner‐families shared, “This is the foundation we’ve been waiting for, something to call our own, and a path forward for our kids.”

Next steps:

1. Visit our Homeownership page to review program guidelines.

2. All applicants must attend a Homeownership Orientation detailing everything you need to know about the specific homes available. The orientation schedule will be posted on the website AFTER the application window closes.

3. Submit your pre-application, checking that all required documents are included.

4. We’re here to help and answer your questions and support you every step of the way. If you’re wondering whether you might qualify, or want to understand more, please don’t hesitate to reach out during our office hours 10am – 4pm daily at our Watsonville office on 555 Main St.

Let’s make homeownership possible together.