Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity will accept applications for housing partnerships until March 23.

The organization will build seven new homes in East Gadsden’s Green Pastures neighborhood and is in search of qualifying families to own the houses.

“We are looking for mature and responsible families who are willing to work hard and partner with Habitat,” said Becky Henson, family selection chairwoman. “We are offering a hand-up and not a handout.”

House sizes are based on the family size and family needs. Each family selects their siding and shutter colors, wall color, kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring. Houses are designed to be simple, decent and affordable, and are sold to the family with zero percent interest with a 20-year mortgage.

Applicants must meet the initial criteria: Currently living in poverty or in substandard conditions, like living with inadequate heating or plumbing, leaky roofs or overcrowding; must have a steady income that is 30 percent to 75 percent of area median income ($16,410 to $41,025); must be willing to partner with Habitat by completing 300 hours of work on home-building, make a $600 down payment and attend partnership and family focus classes; must be a resident of Etowah County for at least one year.

Interested families can find an application online at www.gadsdenhabitat.com, by emailing info@gadsdenhabitat.com, by calling Habitat at 256-543-1898 or by visiting the office at 3644 Rainbow Dr. in Rainbow City between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.