02/09/2026
Ottumwa Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that our latest residential project, located at 318 South Davis, is nearing completion. We are seeking qualified individuals or families to apply for homeownership of this newly constructed three-bedroom property.
🏠How the Program Works
Ottumwa Habitat for Humanity operates on the principle that affordable homeownership should be accessible to those who are willing to partner in the process. This is not a "giveaway" program; rather, it is a partnership between Habitat and the community.
Selected homeowners purchase their homes through a low-interest mortgage, making monthly payments that are more affordable than traditional market rates. A core requirement of the program is "sweat equity"—the homeowner must contribute a set number of hours toward the construction of their own home or other Habitat projects, demonstrating a deep personal investment in their future.
🏠Who Qualifies?
Applicants are evaluated based on three primary criteria: a documented need for housing, a steady ability to pay the mortgage and property taxes, and willingness to partner through the sweat equity program.
Eligibility is tied to the Area Median Income (AMI) for Wapello County. These limits are updated annually and are scaled to household size. For instance, currently in Wapello County, a family of 4 can qualify with an annual income up to $55,200, which represents 60% of the AMI. Similarly, a family of 5 may qualify with an annual income of up to $59,640.
🏠 How to Apply
Interested applicants can find more information and application at www.iowahabitat.org/program-application
