Seven deserving families in the Inland Valley are in the process of packing up and moving into their brand new Habitat for Humanity homes.
New homeowner Emily Givens with Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley volunteers. (Courtesy photo)
According to new homeowner Emily Givens, “This is one of the best days in my life. As a single mom, I’ve worried about providing a stable home for my son for a long time. Becoming a partner family to Habitat for Humanity has relieved me of the stress and worry.”
Ms. Givens and six other families are receiving their new homes thanks to funds received for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program through the Housing & Economic Recovery Act approved by Congress in 2008.
In partnership with the Riverside Economic Development Agency, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley received nearly $1.5 million to purchase, rehabilitate and resell seven homes.
The homes were purchased in Menifee and Lake Elsinore.
“Partner families had to qualify under the Habitat for Humanity guidelines including need, ability to pay and willingness to partner,” said Tammy Marine, Chief Executive Officer.
Future homeowners are required to perform ‘sweat equity’ in addition to a small down payment. They pay off their debt with a no interest, 30 year mortgage with payments based on income.
“Our model helps recipients “help themselves” with our hand up, not a hand out structure,” Marine said.
Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley recently introduced another new program called “A Brush with Kindness.” The new program invites existing homeowners to apply for assistance with home repairs and maintenance. Normal projects include primarily exterior repairs such as painting, trash removal, landscaping and minor repairs with an attempt to help individual families while also beautifying the neighborhood.
The affiliate plans to unroll a Critical Home Repairs program later this year that will focus on more significant repairs. Homeowners who are under 80% of the area median income with a need can qualify for help by calling (951) 296-3362.
For information regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, A Brush with Kindness or Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, call (951) 296-3362 or visit Habitat4InlandValley.org.
*Contributed by Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley
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