To encourage more eligible families to apply for a Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity home, the application deadline has been extended to Friday, April 2.

Habitat Executive Director Nikki Hoellwarth said the funds, contractor and volunteers are lined up to build a new residence in the Mountain Spirit Subdivision in Cody, but eligible applicants are lacking.

Contrary to what some believe, the homes are not provided free of charge and there is an application process, just as there would be for a “traditional” home mortgage.

“It may be well worth it to meet those requirements and get the documentation, because the competition isn’t that stiff right now,” Hoellwarth said.

The process begins with an information session, which is available on YouTube (youtu.be/Y3fjt67cxVw) after bad weather canceled at least one of the in-person sessions. There is also an application packet that must be completed and returned.

The program is billed as a hand up, not a hand out. Recipients must make a monthly mortgage payment even though they purchase the home at cost. In addition, they must supply 500 hours of sweat equity working on the home and take both Financial Peace University and homeowner education courses.

The homes are valued between $120,000 and $199,000. Mountain Spirit completed a five-bedroom, two-bathroom home on North Day Street at the end of last year. The size of the next build in Cody will be based on the size of the family chosen to partner on the project, Hoellwarth said.

The application process includes providing financial information such as income tax returns and paycheck stubs, job verification and similar paperwork required for a traditional mortgage. One difference for Habitat applicants is there are no fees for the application and the selection committee makes an in-home interview with the family, to make sure they understand what it means to partner with the charity. A financial review can help the applicants strengthen their loan packet, also at no fee.

Another difference, Hoellwarth said, is that each applicant is paired with an advocate who can help them with what can seem like an overwhelming process. The advocate can help with internet access to locate required paperwork, making copies or sending fax reports. 

“That advocate can help get the application packet filled out and the documents gathered and printed,” Hoellwarth said.

Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to update their documents — such as including the tax return for the new year — and reapply. 

For more information or to obtain an application packet, contact Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity at 307-254-7004 or go to www.mshfh.org.