Steps to becoming a Habitat Hamilton Home Partner
Habitat Hamilton’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
At Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, our homeownership and lease-with-equity programs are designed to support Hamilton families who are ready for the responsibilities of owning a home but may not qualify for a traditional mortgage, or who are in need of an affordable living arrangement that helps build equity towards a future down payment.
The following steps outline the path to partnering with Habitat for Humanity Hamilton:
Step 1
Attend an information session
This will cover important details about Habitat for Humanity Hamilton’s Programs, the mortgage or lease model, and current build locations. The session takes approximately 1 hour with a question period at the end.
Step 2
Complete an online eligibility check
A link will be provided after the applicant completes the information session.
Step 3
Complete an online home partner application
A link to the application will be provided upon completing the online eligibility questionnaire.
Step 4
In-person interview and reference checks
A representative of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton will reach out to set up an interview with the applicant.
Step 5
Habitat Hamilton staff make recommendations to Board of Directors
Once interviews have been completed, our Habitat team will report to the Board of Directors and prepare for offers.
Step 6
Board of Directors gives approval for future Home Partners
Habitat Hamilton staff will meet with future Home Partners to review the program and discuss details of participation.
Step 7
Future home partners start their 500 hours of volunteer service
All of Habitat Hamilton’s home partners are required to volunteer 500 hours of their own time in our Habitat ReStore or on one of our Build sites.
Step 8
Future home partners complete Home Partner Education series
Our future home partners will meet with staff and complete their education series and accompanying homework to continue participation in the program.
Step 9
Sign home lease & other agreements
All home partners meet with a lawyer to discuss lease and other agreements with Habitat Hamilton.
FAQs
Are there any current opportunities for home partnership?
We are breaking ground on a brand-new Habitat Hamilton build in the spring of 2026!
We are currently in search of eligible tenants for our new home build. To qualify, you will need to have lived or worked in Hamilton for at least two consecutive years and have a household income between $77,000 and $115,000. To learn more about our eligibility requirements, complete the Eligibility Questionnaire or sign up for an online information session.
What are the terms of partnering on this new buid?
This 10-unit building will offer energy-efficient, two-bedroom rental homes with a unique, and brand new, lease-to-equity model.
This means tenants will pay fair market rent, of which 25-30% of their lease payments will be returned to the renters for a period of up to 10 years.
When families are ready to move out, they will receive those savings in a lump sum, allowing for a down payment on a home on the traditional housing market.
We are breaking ground on these rental units in spring 2026, and we are in search of eligible tenants. To qualify, you will need to have lived or worked in Hamilton for at least two consecutive years and have a household income between $77,000 and $115,000. To learn more about our eligibility requirements, complete our Eligibility Questionnaire or attend one of our online information sessions.
Why is a lease-with-equity model being used rather than a traditional mortgage model?
As the housing crisis in Hamilton expands, many working families earning moderate incomes can no longer access homeownership — not because of poor financial habits, but because housing prices and rental rates have risen dramatically.
This program addresses the “missing middle” (households who earn too much for subsidized housing but cannot buy a home in Hamilton’s current market). Our traditional affordable homeownership programs remain core to our mission. This initiative expands our impact, it does not replace it.
How does a lease-with-equity model help families save for homeownership?
Our innovative ‘lease-with-equity’ model ensures that 25–30% of lease/rent payments are returned to home partners who remain in good standing. This portion is invested annually, and interest earned is assigned to the home partner.
Traditional renting builds equity for the landlord. This model builds equity for the tenant. It creates a pathway to a down payment, which is the primary barrier to homeownership.