Almost Home Program
Financial Education Opportunity
Spring 2026
March 12th, 2026 – May 9th, 2026
The Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (HFHSCNJ) Almost Home Program was designed to assist applicants who are interested in the HFHSCNJ Affordable Homeownership Program but may not meet program requirements. This program will help potential applicants who need further education regarding the home buying process whether with HFHSCNJ or any other home purchase opportunity.
All classes are presented by professionals in the mortgage, banking and/or homeownership counseling fields. Nine of the ten classes are held 6:00PM – 7:00PM, virtually. The last class of the program will be IN PERSON at Fulton Mortgage Company building – 533 Fellowship Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054. This class will be held 9:30AM-3:30PM and lunch will be provided.
Program Contact Information:
Elizabel Acevedo
eacevedo@habitatscnj.org
What You Need to Know:
- Cost: $20 to register for the HFHSCNJ Almost Home Program (this includes all 10 classes).
- You must attend at least 8 of the 10 total classes (and one of those classes must be the FTHB class held on Saturday, May 9th, 2026) to be eligible to receive the HUD Approved Homebuyer Education Certificate of Completion.
- Attendance will be taken at the start and end of each class.
- The Almost Home Program takes place once a week from March 12th, 2026 – May 9th, 2026.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Curriculum:
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Renting vs. Homeownership – Part One – Presented by: PNC Bank
- Discuss the realities of being a renter verse being a homeowner. Topics will include what to know about the mortgage process, what mortgage options are available, understanding taxes and insurance.
Thursday, March 19th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Renting vs. Homeownership – Part Two – Presented by: PNC Bank
- Continuation from Part 1 – Discuss the realities of being a renter verse being a homeowner. Topics will include what to know about the mortgage process, what mortgage options are available, understanding taxes and insurance.
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Managing Debt – Presented by: Chase Bank
- This class will touch on how to build positive credit history, deal with delinquent debts and reduce your credit utilization. You will learn techniques and methods to resolve and manage existing debt.
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Credit Awareness – Presented by: TD Bank
- Learn how credit scores and reports impact financial opportunities, including your ability to purchase a home. Discover ways to build, maintain and repair your credit.
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Know Your Rights: Fair Housing, Housing Discrimination and Avoiding Predatory Lending – Presented by: NJ Citizen Action
- Learn about Fair Housing regulations and tips to avoid predatory lending. The importance of Housing Counseling with also be discussed.
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Becoming A Homeowner – Presented by: Columbia Bank
- This class will help you to determine if homeownership is right for you. It will touch on topics including navigating the mortgage process and considering the right home for your specific budget.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Understanding Your Closing Disclosure – Presented by: Ocean First Bank
- This class will provide a comprehensive overview of a closing disclosure document. Learn how to decipher loan details and what to expect when sitting at a closing table.
Thursday, April 30th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
Homeowner Seminar – Presented by: Fulton Mortgage Company
- Review common myths about homeownership. Learn what documents will be needed when applying for a mortgage. Sample steps of the home purchase process will also be discussed.
Thursday, May 7th, 2026 – Virtual
6:00PM-7:00PM
What Is Homeowner’s Insurance? Presented by: Goosehead Insurance
- Review what Homeowner’s Insurance is and why it is needed.
SATURDAY, May 9th, 2026 – IN PERSON
9:30AM to 3:30PM – Lunch will be provided.
HUD Approved First Time Homebuyer Class – Presented by: Operation Hope
- This IN PERSON class will be held at the Fulton Mortgage Company building – 533 Fellowship Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054. The class will run from 9:30AM-3:30PM and lunch will be provided.
- This course is a requirement to be eligible for certain first-time homebuyer/downpayment assistance programs. Participants will have a review of topics touched on in previous classes and dive into the subjects of realtors, title companies, home inspections, specific mortgage products, understanding the loan packaging process, long-term affordability, credit management, foreclosure prevention, tips on maintaining your home and much more!
- Participants of this class will receive the HUD Approved Homebuyer Education Certificate of Completion.