Ottawa County Habitat for Humanity announces required orientation for 2026 applicants

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County will host two Future Homebuyer Orientation Sessions in January for individuals and families interested in applying for one of the new Habitat homes planned for construction in 2026.

Attendance at one of these sessions is required in order to apply for Habitat’s homeownership program.

The orientations will be held at St. John’s Church, which is located at 122 W. Ottawa St. in Oak Harbor, on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.

Participants will learn about Habitat’s mission, the application and construction timeline (typically one year), sweat equity requirements, mortgage expectations, and mandatory financial readiness steps. Staff will also review eligibility criteria and answer questions about the program.

Basic eligibility requirements include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• Must have lived in Ottawa, Lucas, Wood, Erie, or Sandusky County for at least one year
• Must not have owned a home in the past three years
• Must not have had a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past three years
• Must be willing to partner with Habitat through volunteering, communication, and required education

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is committed to helping local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Since 1994, Habitat has partnered with more than 50 families through homeownership and critical home repair programs.

For more information, visit HabitatOttawaCounty.org or contact 419-734-7074 or director@habitatottawacounty.org.