How do I use my equity in my home if I file chapter 13?

You need to consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in your area.  Your question is too broad and missing too many facts to properly answer here. How you would "use" your equity in a Chapter 13 case depends on the dollar amounts and what exemptions you have available to protect that equity under applicable law. Among the many requirements in Chapter 13, you are required to pay out to your creditors at least as much as they would get in a Chapter 7 liquidation so the actual numbers are important to answering your question. Mark Markus has been practicing exclusively bankruptcy law in California since 1991.  He is a Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization,  AV-Rated by martindale.com, and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.