Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (Habitat) announced it received approval from the Phoenix City Council last week for a multiyear contract to develop and build new affordable housing and fix existing homes in Central City South neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Phoenix is contributing 30 vacant lots that will enable Habitat to build 31 new homes over the next four years.
“We will be building homes and revitalizing neighborhoods and parks in Matthew Henson Village, the Grant and Central Park neighborhoods, and other contiguous areas. This expands our opportunity to improve the areas within these boundaries and engage with residents of several different neighborhoods,” said Jason Barlow, President and CEO of Habitat.
Repairs can range from minor to major, but typically include such improvements as roofing, paint, landscaping, plumbing, air conditioning and window replacements which improve energy efficiency and help make houses more affordable for occupants.
The Phoenix City Council also approved a proposal for the allocation of $100 thousand dollars to execute the contracts. While Habitat does not have land for a community center specifically allocated within this project, it is evaluating various Central City South neighborhoods for Neighborhood Revitalization projects that would engage residents, Habitat volunteers and individual and corporate philanthropic sponsors.
Barlow said, “We’re grateful for the land as well as the partnership with the City of Phoenix, which is going to enable Habitat to jumpstart project development early in 2018. When this project is completed, over the next four years, we expect to see more families owning safe, affordable homes in the area.”
Linsie Kalland, Habitat director of grants, compliance and procurement said that this project was designed to help residents whose income is at or below 80 percent of the area’s median income. The homes within this program will be sold to qualified applicants at affordable prices with no interest on the loans which will be financed through Habitat.
Recipients qualify by paying for the property and contributing “sweat equity” toward their own home and others through Habitat’s programs.
“By upgrading the living conditions of these hard-working people, we’re improving the lives of families, individuals and businesses who want their employees to have safe, secure housing,” said Maribel Saucedo, director of family services at Habitat. “Habitat sells the homes based on their appraised value, but the price is also based on what the owner-occupants can afford. Most homes come equipped with all the necessary appliances, including refrigerator, stove, microwave and disposal.”
Phoenix City Councilwoman Kate Gallego, whose district the project is located in said, “We’re pleased to partner with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to create quality housing for underserved populations. Their community engagement, programs, and broad support give us great confidence the results achieved under Habitat’s leadership will be exceptional.”
When Habitat begins outreach in early 2018, it will start with owner-occupied homes in need of repairs and upgrades. Habitat employees will canvas the community, going door-to-door to seek partnerships with residents who are seeking home improvements. The lots are primarily located between 7 th Avenue and 15th Avenue as far north as Grant Street and as far south as Pima Street.
