Habitat seeks applicants for next home build

Habitat for Humanity of Yuma is in search of families to apply to build and occupy its next home, with construction starting next fall in Wellton.

“If you want to say one characteristic that we’re looking for, it’s commitment, they have to commit to what they’re going to do,” Executive Director Frank Carrillo said. “When you look at their financial backgrounds, when you look at their work histories, when you look at their credit histories, they all vary to some degree. Each one has a uniqueness to it.

“Those are some of the things that we look for.”

The person or family chosen generally do not qualify for conventional home loans or other programs, and will need to put in 500 hours of work toward the home, half of that in the construction itself and the other half in “partnering,” or providing a service for Habitat or any other nonprofit organization in the area to give back to the community.

In return, the family will pay back the construction cost with a zero-interest mortgage. Most of the homes cost around $90,000 to build, and monthly payments usually come in under $500, including taxes and insurance. They can be financed under 20, 25 or 30-year plans.

The applicant is also required to complete classes which cover financial planning, home maintenance and more. But he said the eventual owner of the home should not have to worry too much about having to do or pay for major repairs, at least in the early years.

“Everything that goes into that house is brand-spanking new,” he said. “We furnish a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, we furnish a stove. The appliances are all under warranty, that comes with the support of Habitat by Whirlpool, and we have supporters that help us with construction so we can keep down the overall

cost of construction.

“That’s my personal goal when I do this, is to keep down the overall cost of that house.”

The 6,750 square-foot lot for the home, at 29457 Oakland Ave., was donated to Habitat by a group of investors led by Joyce Seriale. Most houses are around 1,200 square feet and have three bedrooms, though a larger family can get a fourth bedroom.

This project has $70,000 in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant program, passed down through Yuma County, but Carrillo said that isn’t the organization’s usual route.

“The uniqueness of Habitat is that it’s all done by fundraising, it’s all done by community contribution. We do have CGDB money this time, but that’s not something that’s common,” Carrillo said.

The organization also brings in money through its recycling program, its ReStore thrift shop which specializes in doors, sinks, toilets and other home-improvement items. As well as donations of cars, boats, “anything we can muster a little money out of,” Carrillo said.

Applications are available at the Habitat for Humanity of Yuma headquarters, 3242 E. 43rd St. A mandatory meeting will be held May 19 for those interested in applying at the Yuma County Foothills Library, 13226 S. Frontage Road.

The deadline to submit applications is June 16, For more information call Habitat for Humanity at (928) 783-3393.