Ability to Pay

• Applicant(s) must have a source of stable income. 

• If self-employed, proof of documents is required.

• The applicant(s) must not have filed bankruptcy within the past two (2) years. 

• The mortgage payment is 33%  of the homeowner's gross monthly income.

• Total household income falls within the minimum and maximum income limits in the chart below.

• Based on a $35,000 salary, an individual would make $2,900 monthly. The mortgage payment on a $200,000 house would be approximately $550/month taxes and insurance of $450 per month, for total monthly payments of 0-1% interest. mortgage payments should be about ⅓ of your monthly income, meaning to pay $1000/month you would need a minimum income of $2900/month.

Need for RFF

• Based on current housing conditions, there must be a demonstrated need to qualify. Some examples of need are outlined below. This list is not all-inclusive. 

• Unsanitary conditions

• Unsafe location 

• Inadequate sleeping arrangements for family

• Educations, social or health barriers 

• Unsanitary conditions or health risks out of the applicant(s) control.

• Currently living in temporary/transitional housing, Section 8 housing, or other housing programs.

• Your home is overcrowded.

• Current housing does not meet the physical needs of the household member(s).

Willingness to Grow

Perseverance:

• Families should be committed to improving their circumstances through hard work and personal effort. They must actively participate in the renovation process by volunteering 25 hours of their time for tasks like renovating their home.

• Families must also commit to ongoing maintenance and upkeep of their renovated home. Regular cleaning, repairs, and necessary improvements should be carried out to ensure the long-term quality and functionality of the home. 

Community:

• The level of community involvement displayed by a family reflects their readiness to make positive contributions to society. Each family is expected to contribute 25 hours per year towards volunteering with the foundation. This may involve activities such as teaching classes, participating in home renovations, and other relevant endeavors.

Empowerment:

• Families in the program should have clear goals and ambitions for their future. These goals demonstrate their commitment to personal growth and being able to support themselves. The family will meet with RFF once or twice a year to talk about their goals and review their progress.

• Each family will have a choice from one of the three educational courses a quarter. They goals should align with their desired outcomes and reflect their determination to achieve personal growth and self-sufficiency. By regularly reviewing and refining their goals, families can actively engage in their own empowerment and take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.

Accountability:

• Families will have a yearly meeting with RFF staff. During this meeting, they will review whether they have followed program guidelines, such as taking educational courses, reading a set number of books, and maintaining their home. The meeting will also involve assessing any changes in their financial and family situation and  Goals 

• Each family will have a choice from a minimum of one of the three educational courses a quarter. 

Growth:

• Each family must read five books per year from a list of RFF approved books. Additionally, they will have a meeting or quiz to discuss the content of the books they have read.

•  Families are required to graduate from four courses per year from our selection of educational courses, covering topics such as Financial Education, Life Skills, and Health & Wellness.

• While recognizing that financial need may persist despite employment or educational circumstances, adults in the family must actively seek employment or pursue education to enhance their long-term prospects. This demonstrates their commitment to self-investment and securing a better future.

• Prior to moving in, families must successfully complete the prerequisite courses designated by the program. These courses are essential for providing the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for their continued growth and success within the program.

Additional Applicant Requirements

• Wisconsin for at least six (6) months.

• Divorce proceedings must be finalized.

• All adult household members over the age of 18 must sign a general release for a background check and other verification.

• Limited locations, applicants must be open to relocation.

• Willingness to share family story and photos on our website for marketing purposes.

• Anyone under the age of 19 must be In line with Wisconsin school attendance guidelines 

• Landlord and employer reference checks 

*The information on this page is not exhaustive. For further details, please refer to the application.