_edited.jpg)
With a little help we all have the potential to thrive.
Program Update: Topeka Habitat will be accepting applications for
our Homeownership Program from Sept.10 - 26, 2026.
Strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Topeka Habitat homeowner. We believe everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. To carry out our vision, we partner with individuals and families from application through construction, to the affordable mortgaging of the property to the new owner(s).
By working with us from beginning to end, we can help prospective individuals prepare for the various responsibilities of homeownership, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance, and much more.
Topeka Habitat’s path to home ownership is an important and in-depth process requiring hard work, time and dedication. But this helps ensure the long-term success of Topeka Habitat homeowners.
2026 Topeka Habitat Homeownership Program Information
About our 2026 Special Selection Cycle:
During this special selection cycle, only households of four persons or less will be considered due to the size of our existing projects. We will be selecting for two homeownership opportunities: a fully renovated home in the Chesney Park Neighborhood and a newly constructed home in the Ward Meade Neighborhood.
Applications:
Beginning Sept 10th, homeowner application packets can be picked up from the Topeka Habitat ReStore during regular business hours. The ReStore is located at at 121 NE Gordon St, and is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. Applications will also be available for download here. If you need to request other arrangements to receive an application packet please call our office at 785-234-4322 ext. 107 and we will be happy to assist you.
All application packets and supporting documents must be turned in by Saturday, September 26th at 4pm!
Program Eligibility:
-
Applicants must live or work in Shawnee County.
-
A need for safe & affordable housing.
-
A willingness to partner with Topeka Habitat.
-
A steady source of household income.
-
Household income must fall within our 2026 income guidelines.
-
Household size of 4 persons or less.
Information Sessions: We will host three in-person Information Sessions to learn more about the program and application process. Info session attendance is not required to apply.
-
Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:30pm at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
-
Thursday, September 10th at 5pm at the Hillcrest Community Center
-
Saturday, September 12th at 10:30am at Topeka Habitat for Humanity
-
There will be a recorded Information Session posted here as well. Please stay tuned.
Registering for an info session is strongly encouraged, but it in not required. Anyone is welcome to attend, please RSVP below.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open September 10 and close September 26 at 4:00 PM.
Las solicitudes se abren el 10 de septiembre y se cierran el 26 de septiembre a las 4:00 p.m.
Please visit our FAQ document for the most up -to-date information.
How does the process work?
Family selection is a competitive process based on three criteria:
-
An ability and willingness to make payments to an affordable mortgage.
-
A demonstrated need for safe and affordable housing.
-
The willingness to partner with our organization; this will include but is not limited to regular meetings with the Habitat team, completion of sweat equity hours to prepare for homeownership such as, home maintenance classes, and financial wellness counseling.
The Homeowner application process is a multi-step comprehensive look at the finances and circumstances of all persons that would reside in the Habitat home.
Homeowner applications are reviewed by the Family Selection Committee and the selection criteria does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, ability, health, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, family status or marital status.
Homeowner selections generally take place once a year. Applications cannot be submitted for consideration outside of this time, information on how to be notified that we are accepting applications is above.
This is a lengthy process—the time from application to closing on your Habitat home can take from 12 to 24 months.
Families and individuals who applied in the past but were not selected are eligible to reapply.
Topeka Habitat for Humanity does not own any rental dwellings, coordinate temporary/permanent home placements, assist with moving from one dwelling to another, nor act as landlords for mortgage holders.
We're here to help and can answer questions you have about the home ownership program. Please contact us at (785) 234-4322.
For more information, or to receive notice of future application opportunities you can sign-up here to join our Topeka Habitat Homeownership email list.
