FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- As Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) prepares for its annual application process for families looking for an affordable home, a new partnership aims to help more aspiring homeowners achieve their goal. Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Club 720 -- a fellow nonprofit that works to increase homeownership -- to provide more tools and programs for those looking to attain their first home. Some of the programs include Hoosier Homes Plus, which offers down payment assistance when meeting certain qualifications; a personalized coaching program and a matched savings account. "Partnering with Habitat for Humanity allows us to amplify our impact, ensuring that no family feels left behind in the pursuit of their homeownership dreams," said Club 720 CEO Heather Presley-Cowen in a press release Thursday. "Together, we are turning roadblocks into stepping stones." Habitat for Humanity GFW will hold its annual Allen County open application process from Jan. 6 to Jan. 20. Those who are not selected will be connected to Club 720's resources in order to help more people reach their goal. Lauren McCammon, homeowner services manager for Habitat for Humanity GFW, said the organization has taken in roughly 20 to 35 families through their program each of the last few years. With the new collaboration, she believes many more families will find the help they need. "Maybe our reach will go from having 20 to 35 families to being able to help hundreds of families per year get into their first home," McCammon said. Requirements for Habitat for Humanity GFW's Program Those interested in applying for the homeownership program must meet three requirements: a need for housing, the ability to pay and a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity GFW. The "willingness to partner" aspect revolves around what the organization calls "sweat equity." Applicants must be open to a variety of tasks that includes attending homeowner education classes and construction work for their home or another family's home. "One of the big misconceptions is that habitat homes are free, and they absolutely are not. Our families put in a lot of work in order to get to that point," McCammon said. People can receive email updates from Habitat for Humanity GFW to learn when the application process opens. Applicants should be prepared by having necessary identification and financial documents ready.