Once accepted into the Habitat program, partner families will begin work on the required 500 "Sweat Equity" hours. The term "Sweat Equity" refers to the physical investment in the house. Most of the hours earned will be in working at the construction site; however, other opportunities are available to earn hours, including working at the ReStore, attending mandatory workshops, helping with special events, helping with office tasks, etc. Of the 500 required "Sweat Equity" hours, family and friends may provide a portion of the hours by working on the partner family's behalf. Partner families are responsible for saving monthly towards the $500 down payment on your house and the $500 closing costs. Partner families must attend mandatory workshops, including: the HRDC's 9-hour "Road to Home" homeownership education course; 13-session Financial Peace University budgeting course; Habitat mortgage workshop; and home maintenance & repair workshop.  You will be given credit towards your Sweat Equity hours for attendance of these workshops.