Local families who do not have adequate housing could qualify to be one of the next three Habitat for Humanity families.

To be considered, one’s present housing must not be adequate, and must not be able to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means.

Hab-itat for Hum-anity member Kylan Lewis said the lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure, including water, electrical, heating or sewerage service systems, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards and more.

Additionally, applicants must have been residents of the county for at least the last year, and must make between $10,000 and $24,000 a year.

Potential families must demonstrate an ability to pay, Lewis said.

“Since you will actually be buying your home from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage,” he said. “This will include not only the mortgage payment, but the payment for real estate taxes and insurance.”

Families must also be able to make a $500 down payment.

Lewis said potential families must be willing to partner with Habitat.

As part of that, families must put in 300 hours of sweat equity, which is a contribution toward the construction of the home, and other classes to prepare them for the responsibilities of a new home.

“Family and friends can help you with your sweat equity,” Lewis said. “In fact, you can ask anyone to help you.”

Selected families will have the opportunity to work toward their 300 hours in about three months, when habitat kicks off its third build in Florala.

Habitat for Humanity President Dale Pancake said they are wrapping up the ownership process with the City of Florala.

“Once we have all that, we’ll do the site prep work,” he said. “We’ll also do the slab, plumbing and schedule the build.”

Anyone interested in exploring their options with Habitat for Humanity can attend a meeting Thurs., April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Florala Senior Citizen Center.