Now accepting applications!
Apply for Habitat Homeownership
Looking for a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home? Lake Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity partners with eligible families and individuals to make homeownership possible.
Our Homeownership Program is for households who need affordable housing, have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and are willing to partner with Habitat throughout the process.
This is real homeownership. Habitat Homeowners pay an affordable mortgage, pay property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, repair and maintain their homes, and most importantly earn equity and build both physical and financial stability.
Applications are open now through November 20, 2026.
Our next home - coming soon!
Lake Chelan Valley Habitat is preparing to build its next home at Pumpkin Lane, and applications are now open for our Homeownership Program.
The planned home will be a single-story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with approximately 1,356 square feet of living space.
Habitat homes are modest, thoughtfully designed homes built with affordability in mind. They are not custom homes; the design, location, and financing are determined by Habitat.
Our first three Pumpkin Lane homes have been completed and sold to local families. Now, we are preparing to build the next home and partner with another local household on the path to homeownership.
Could this be your opportunity to own a home in the Lake Chelan Valley?
How to Apply
Step 1: Check the Basic Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the program’s basic eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Have lived or worked in the Lake Chelan Valley—including Chelan, Manson, Chelan Falls or Orondo—for at least 12 months.
Not currently own a home and not have owned a home in the past three years.
Have dependable household income of at least $36,000 and within the program’s income limits for household size.
Have a need for safe, affordable housing and have current housing that is unsafe, unaffordable, temporary, overcrowded and/or inaccessible.
Be willing to complete the required sweat equity hours and other program requirements.
2026 Income Requirements
*These numbers are based on 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Area Median Income for Chelan County, WA and are subject to change without notice. There is a minimum $36,000 annual income for all household sizes for our homeownership program.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-Application
Start with our short online pre-application screening form. This helps us determine whether you meet the program’s basic requirements. The form can be completed online in English or Spanish. You can also download and print an application form, pick up an application at the Habitat Store, or request one from our Office by calling (509) 888-1573 or emailing office@lakechelanhabitat.org.
ENGLISH APPLICATIONS
SPANISH APPLICATIONS
Step 3: Submit Your Application by November 20
Online Applications. You can choose to “save and continue” later, but make sure the form is submitted before the deadline.
Paper applications can be returned by:
Mailing your completed application to: Lake Chelan Habitat attn: Application, PO BOX 2639, Chelan, WA 98816
Dropping off your completed application at the Chelan Habitat Store.
Emailing your completed application to our office at office@lakechelanhabitat.org
The completed application must be received in the Habitat Office/Store, uploaded, emailed or postmarked on or before FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2026 for your application to move forward. A mailed application must be received no later than 5 business days after the postmark.
Step 4: Complete the Financial Review
our completed pre-application will be evaluated for eligibility. If your application meets the basic requirements, you will be contacted by our office to schedule a time to complete the full application, submit more documents and a financial review.
Step 5: Participate in a Home Visit
After your financial review, we will schedule a home visit. The purpose of this visit is solely to verify any home conditions listed on your application. It will be conducted by appointment by a Habitat Staff member and either another staff member or a volunteer.
Step 6: Board Review
All applicants who meet the basic requirements, have completed the previous steps, and have submitted all necessary documents will be forwarded on to the Board of Directors for final decision. The Board will review all applicants, anonymously, and make a final determination of acceptance to the Habitat Homeownership Program based on the your Ability to Pay, Housing Need and Willingness to Partner with Habitat.
Next Steps
If you are selected
If you are selected by our Board for our Homeownership Program, you will be asked to sign a Partnership Agreement with Lake Chelan Habitat. The Partnership agreement is not a contract. It merely states a mutual willingness between the prospective homeowner and Habitat to participate in the Homeownership Program. Its purpose is to confirm your intention to buy the home once Habitat completes it and your willingness to partner with Habitat. It also confirm’s Habitat’s intention to work with you to complete a decent affordable house.
If you are NOT selected
If you are not selected for the Homeownership Program during this application period, we encourage you to apply again in the future. Many of our most successful Habitat Homeowners were selected after their 2nd or even 3rd application. Our staff will do our best to help you determine what you can improve on your application or in your financial situation and possible resources to help you reach your goals.
The path to homeownership
Partnership
Once you have chosen to partner with Habitat you will begin completing your volunteer hours and homeowner’s education classes. If during your application, we found areas where you need to improve your credit or financial situation we will help you work on that. Volunteer hours may be in the construction (or repair) of your home or the home of other, in the Habitat Store, or with other community organizations.
Construction
Habitat will begin construction on the home using your assistance and the assistance of volunteers where possible. When the home is done you will complete a mortgage application for the home and we will look at your finances again.
Home Purchase
Once your mortgage is approved, you will purchase the home by signing all closing documents. You will begin making monthly payments on your home. After all the payments are made (usually 30 years) the home is YOURS.
Have questions or need help with your application?
We’d love to help. Please reach out to our office if you have questions about our Homeownership Program or need help completing your application. You can also reach our office at 509.888.1573.
Please be aware that Habitat Store Staff and volunteers are unable to answer questions about eligibility for a Habitat home or application status.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Lake Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity housing provider. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the law and provide a program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
