Habitat homeowners meet three criteria: need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay their no-interest mortgage. Neither race, creed, color, marital status, nor religion are factors in choosing partner families. Because ownership of a Habitat home is "a hand up, not a handout," homeowner families and their friends are required to complete at least 350 hours of "sweat equity" to help match the 2,000 volunteer hours typically donated by volunteers. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the long-term capability and intention of assuming payments on their no-interest mortgage and maintaining their new home as good neighbors in their community. As members of the Habitat family, homeowners typically give and receive support in an ongoing relationship with other Habitat partners.