by Christy Parrott
Habitat for Humanity, Grand County chapter, has broken ground on a new home for local Maria Archeletta- Jones and her children. Habitat for Humanity is a national nonprofit organization that helps families in need secure homeownership. According to their mission, Habitat believes affordable housing lays a critical role in strong, stable communities. Board member Chuck Chladek agrees, “Longterm homeowners are financially and personally invested in their community. They tend to keep their jobs, make sure their kids stay in school, and this improves the community by adding stability.”
Homeownership is often considered the bedrock of a strong community, because it promotes a less transient population and ensures sustained investments. For example, the recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home builds equity directly related to the length of time they remain in the home via a shared equity arrangement with Habitat. Put simply, the longer a homeowner stays, the more equity they gain from the home and the less equity Habitat retains. This earned equity often becomes seed capital for small businesses, college tuition or retirement.
Plus, the homeowner begins building sweaty equity from the start. In fact, Habitat homes are not free, nor are they solely based on need.
“The potential homeowner has to put in a minimum of two hundred hours of work into their own home,” Chladek confirms. This is in addition to the lengthy application process of proving gainful employment, good credit, and meeting other loan qualifications.
“Habitat helps to identify people who struggle with acquiring a home. It’s a basic structure. There’s no garage or basement. The home is meant to keep them safe and warm. ”
Volunteers are welcome to lend a helping hand. The current build is located in Hot Sulphur Springs and takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Habitat also accepts donations from local establishments who are willing to provide lunch for workers, “And, we always accept cash,” Chladek hints warmly.
