Habitat for Humanity of Grand County Partners with Families to Provide Affordable Homes in Our Backyard
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization with a clear vision: living in a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our local branch has been investing in the Grand County community and putting that vision into action since 1999. We all know the real estate market across the country can make the dream of owning a home daunting, specifically for those with incomes well below the median for the area. And Grand County is no different. We are so grateful Habitat for Humanity of Grand County is actively addressing the need. Since its inception, they have built 13 homes in 24 years, and they have no plans of stopping!
CURRENT PROJECTS
Habitat is currently constructing a neighborhood of single-family homes in Hot Sulphur Springs. Capitalizing on the relative affordability of land in the area, the nonprofit purchased a large parcel of vacant land on which to build a series of homes with budget-friendly mortgages for community members. Their fourteenth house is slated for completion this spring, and they are currently taking applications for the fifteenth house, which will also be in the Hot Sulphur Springs neighborhood. They were able to get rolling with their current goal of two houses per year with the help of the Grand Foundation and a generous grant from the Grand County Board of Commissioners. It is so sweet to see our local government and nonprofits banding together to invest in our community.
PARTNERING WITH FAMILIIES
We love Habitat's model for helping those in need. Rather than simply provide a home for a family, they partner with the family in the process. Family members are required to invest with "sweat equity": each adult member of a Habitat family commits at least 200 hours working side-by-side with volunteers on the construction of their home or with Habitat fundraising events and office needs. And their relationship doesn't end on move-in day. Habitat assists in the transition to the responsibilities of home ownership, providing financial literacy courses and acting as the lending institution for the family. That means they are able to offer a no-interest mortgage and ensure that the mortgage, taxes, and insurance do not exceed 25% of the family's monthly income - a true gift that literally changes lives.
WHO QUALIFIES?
To qualify for to be a Habitat family, applicants need to meet certain requirements:
- be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- have a qualifying credit score and verifiable income
- have sufficient income to pay a monthly mortgage payment
- have an income 80% or less than Grand County's median income
- live in housing conditions that are not adequate for needs
- have lived or worked in Grand County at least 12 of the past 36 months
- commit 200 hours of volunteer time
VOLUNTEERING
The work Habitat for Humanity does would not be possible without local volunteers. They are always looking for those willing to share their trade. From carpentry to plumbing to providing lunches for the crew, volunteers are the backbone of the work. Interested in volunteering to support such a great cause in our community? Reach out to Habitat for Humanity of Grand County and let them know how you'd like to help!
Posted by Angela McDonough (Sandstrom) on
Leave A Comment