Low income housing development

Upper Valley - "Because of the families that participate in it, you help them build their home and their dream, but you also help them build a community," said Tammy Golder, a loan specialist with Mutual Self Help Housing.

Mutual self help housing has helped 150 low-income families in Eastern Idaho build their own home.

"We actually have something to show for it, we did everything it takes to make a house our own," said Erin Pincock, who is finishing her home.

Families save upwards of $30,000 by spending 30 hours a week working on their home, while the housing program sub contracts out difficult things like plumbing and electric.

"Sweat equity is where the families do a lot of the work, and that in turn, turns into equity for the home," said Golder.

"The program creates tight-knit communities, because the neighborhood is working on these homes... together."

"It's knowing your neighbors, I mean, when you move into a new neighborhood, you don't know anybody. Out here we get to know each other, we get to know each other's personalities," said Jennifer Richards, who is working on Hendricks home.

Jennifer Richards is one of many neighbors currently working on Joseph Hendrick's home.

"we all work together, we'll get everybody's done. Once we get everybody's done and finished, we'll all move in together. It feels great," said Richards.

"you always hear those stories, 'I built my own house' and it's a grandparent. It's going to be great when I tell my future kids this is the house my wife and I built for you. And that's why we're doing it, to move out of an apartment," said Joseph Hendricks, who is building his future home.

The Hendricks will soon join millions of other families who are living the American Dream of owning a home.

Another housing development is nearly underway in Roberts.

And there's still time to qualify for the program if you're interested.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• low
• income
• housing
• poor
• development

[mars188]

Trust me you would not want me working on a house- not everyone is a handy-man

[mjpowerlady]

I wish I could afford a house XD