Those interested in HONK’s homeownership program must first submit an application. Most HONK opportunities are available to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Income guidelines change over time, are dependent on the number of people in the household, and are based on limits published independently by the Dept. for Housing & Urban Development (HUD).

In addition to meeting the income guidelines, prospective homeowners must:

• Have a strong desire to be a homeowner and demonstrate a need for HONK’s help
• Have a steady income that can support a mortgage
• Demonstrate that if they are not currently able to get a loan due to credit, that they have the ability to improve their credit to achieve a loan within 12-18 months
• Demonstrate the ability to live within their means
• Demonstrate through current living space that their home will be properly maintained

HONK participants are required to perform 8 hours of service each month in:

• Improvement of self and family
• Repair and maintenance of property
• Community and/or church projects
• Helping to stabilize the neighborhood
• Participating in HONK’s program of homeownership
• Assisting others to become homeowners

HONK serves to strike a balance between helping those most in need and ensuring they will succeed as a homeowner in the long run. It must be financially feasible for the prospective homeowner to afford a home within their budget.