Habitat for Humanity will hold an informational meeting 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Greenhouse to explain its recent purchase of 20 acres in Deer Park, although officials said its not crucial that residents who may qualify for the low-cost housing attend.

Additional meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month at the Greenhouse.

Actual construction is not planned in the near future as Habitat for Humanity officials look into a zone change at the south Dalton Road property that will allow for more homes to be built on the site.

It is not known how much of the 20 acres the group will develop in the first year.

There will also be the need for the city to extend utility services to the property, which cannot happen until this spring at the earliest.

During the informational meetings, Habitat officials will begin the application process. Applicants must meet strict income and credit guidelines to be considered for a home. They also must be willing to invest 500 hours in “sweat equity” as part of the application process and pay a $2,000 closing cost fee.

According to statistics compiled by the group, 500 income-eligible households live within five miles of the property and 40 percent live within a mile of the site.

If approved, prospective homeowners will be eligible for an interest-free mortgage.