MATTHEWS, N.C. — After a four-year pause, applications will soon open for the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity’s new homeownership program.

What You Need to Know 

Applications for the new homeownership program will be available June 7-9

There will be a $25 nonrefundable application fee 

To qualify applicants, must be a resident of Matthews, Mint Hill or Stallings

The applications will officially open on July 7 and close on July 9. 

Those who live in Matthews, Mint Hill or Stallings and meet the habitat’s requirements can apply to receive a new home through the program. 

The program was paused for four years because it had 12 families on its list waiting for homes. 

Now that those families have received their homes, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Natisha Rivera-Patrick says they are ready to open the program back up so that a new family can have a chance at homeownership. 

"We’re breaking cycles of generational poverty," she said. "We’re helping to create generational wealth. We’re helping families obtain something that they didn’t think was possible, and then we’re keeping homeowners that are in existing affordable housing units … in that same home, making it safer, drier and warmer and allowing them to stay in that affordable unit.” 

Along with living in the greater Matthews area, those who apply must also have have a need for a decent, affordable home (current housing situation is substandard, overcrowded, costs more than 30% of gross income, etc.), meet the HUD Median Income Requirements and must be able to pay back an affordable mortgage.

The approved applicants must also be willing to participate in a minimum of 250 "sweat equity" hours. 

Paper copies can be picked up at 2447 East John St. in Matthews or done online here. 

Rivera-Patrick says construction will begin this fall with the home being completed by the summer of next year. 

The nonprofit is looking for volunteers to help with construction and donations to help cover the cost of materials.

Those looking to help can contact Rivera-Patrick at natisha@habitatmatthews.org