Habitat for Humanity Orlando & Osceola County are happy to bring Habitat University (Habitat U) to the future homeowners in the community. Habitat U has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering free housing education to residents of Osceola and Orange Counties. With both in-person and virtual classes, this program is designed to empower first-time homebuyers and renters by providing them with the essential knowledge they need to succeed in the housing market. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home or simply navigate the world of renting, Habitat U provides the tools to help you make informed decisions.
Comprehensive Classes for All: Budgeting, Financial Literacy, and More
Navigating the housing market can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Habitat U addresses this challenge by offering a range of classes that cover topics critical to understanding the home-buying process and financial readiness. Topics include budgeting, securing a mortgage, closing processes, and property taxes, ensuring participants have a well-rounded understanding of homeownership.
This year, Habitat U has expanded its offerings to include several exciting additions aimed at increasing accessibility and educational impact:
- Eight-Hour First-Time Homebuyer Workshops: These intensive workshops dive deep into the home buying process, offering participants hands-on knowledge about everything from preparing for a mortgage to closing on a home.
- Youth Summit on Financial Literacy: New in 2024, Habitat U introduced a youth summit designed to teach high school students essential skills like financial literacy, budgeting, and planning for the future. This event aims to fill the educational gap that many students face when it comes to understanding personal finances—something often not taught in schools.
Recognizing the needs of its community, Habitat U is offering a special online class on January 11th with a focus on supporting Spanish-speaking residents. These free classes will simplify the path to homeownership by covering essential steps like securing a mortgage, understanding closing documents, and financial planning—all delivered in Spanish to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.
Housing Counseling: Personalized Support for Your Financial Journey
Habitat University offers free housing counseling services for those looking for more tailored support. Housing counselors work one-on-one with individuals to assess their financial situation, helping them create personalized budgets and plans to achieve their housing goals. Whether you’re thinking about renting, buying a home, or simply trying to understand your financial readiness, Habitat U counselors guide you every step of the way.
“I encourage everyone to go to one of our housing counselors because they’re going to work with you to figure out what your objective is,” Catherine Steck McManus, the President and CEO of Habitat Orlando & Osceola County said. “It’s about really stepping back and thinking about what to do, and how you really can afford to be a homeowner because buying the house is the easy part.”
Teaching the True Costs of Homeownership
At Habitat U, there’s a strong focus on helping individuals and families understand the true costs of homeownership. This includes property taxes, insurance, and long-term maintenance costs like roof replacement or home repairs. Participants in Habitat U classes learn to assess whether they are financially prepared for these costs and create plans to manage them effectively.
This approach ensures that prospective homeowners don’t just focus on the down payment but also consider the hidden costs of homeownership, which can often be overlooked.
A Strong Community of Educated Homebuyers and Renters
One of the driving forces behind Habitat University is its commitment to fostering strong communities through education. As Central Florida sees a growing influx of new residents, Habitat U helps integrate them into the local community by offering the resources needed for a successful housing experience.
“So many of us aren’t taught about housing or what we need to do. How will we be the most successful homeowner or the most successful renter? That’s why I think it’s important. This community is made up of people who are living their best lives, when you’re living your best life you’re not stressed about how the rent going to be paid, or how you’re going to pay your mortgage,” Steck McManus said. “If you’re not stressed about those things, then you’re able to give back to your community. You have time to volunteer at a school or give back. So I think that is how education can help the community be more informed, educated, and empowered.”
Free and Accessible Education: Open to All
While Habitat University primarily serves residents of Osceola and Orange Counties, virtual classes are available to anyone in Florida. This makes the program accessible to a wider audience, allowing more individuals to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge offered through Habitat U’s free educational resources.
Get Started with Habitat University Today
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, rent an apartment, or simply improve your financial literacy, Habitat University is here to help. With free housing education, personalized counseling, and specialized workshops, Habitat U is committed to supporting the residents of Central Florida and beyond.
Upcoming Classes:
- January 11th: Spanish-Speaking First-Time Homebuyer Workshop (Virtual)
- Ongoing: Financial Literacy Youth Summit for High School Students
To sign up for classes or get more information about Habitat U’s programs, click here.
By offering free housing education and personalized support, Habitat University is empowering first-time homebuyers, renters, and the next generation to make informed decisions that will positively impact their financial futures. With the youth summit, Spanish-language classes, and personalized counseling, Habitat U continues to be a valuable resource for the residents of Osceola and Orange Counties and beyond.
“We live in Central Florida. Who would not want to live in Osceola or Orange County? They’re great communities, we have a lot of new people frequently coming in. So let’s teach them. Let’s integrate them into our community,” Steck McManus said.