Habitat seeks first rehab project
The Habitat for Humanity of Nodaway County Board of Directors has approved a change in strategy that will allow the affordable housing ministry to undertake rehabilitation of existing homes in addition to new construction projects.
Board President Joe Ford said Wednesday that by adding rehabbing to its new-construction efforts, the non-profit will be able to serve more individuals and families while raising its level of visibility in the community.
Until this year, Nodaway Habitat has limited itself to building one new house every two years, Income-eligible recipients purchase the home with a no-interest mortgage, and the payments are used to finance the next project.
Ford said the rehab initiative will work in much the same way, except clients will acquire a no-interest loan instead of a mortgage.
As with those who move into Habitat homes, rehab recipients must contribute a set amount of “sweat equity,” meaning they must contribute a minimum of 16 hours of construction labor or an equivalent amount of time performing administrative or other tasks, such as preparing meals for Habitat construction crews.
When considering the rehab proposal, Ford said the board talked over a couple of different strategies, specifically limiting projects to relatively minor repairs within the capabilities of volunteer workers or undertaking large-scale jobs, such as roof replacements, that would require a contractor.
In the end, he said, the organization opted to start small, and is currently seeking applicants who own homes in need of weatherization, sidewalk repairs, wheelchair ramp installation, fence repairs, painting or other maintenance tasks.
Cost of repairs is not to exceed $5,000.
Those applying must meet income guidelines, prove home ownership, prove at least one year of residency, have paid all real estate and personal property taxes, agree to background and credit checks and demonstrate the ability to pay back the loan within five years.
Ford said Nodaway Habitat plans on undertaking only a single rehab project this year but hopes to expand the initiative going forward.
“This is a new venture for us, so we’re initially just looking for one,” he said. “But my perspective is that I hope this will open a new avenue through which we can serve more families and increase our visibility in the community.”
Ford said Nodaway Habitat still plans to build one new home every two years, and is in fact required by the international organization to build a house every three years in order to remain in good standing.
Recently implemented guidelines, he added, also call for the local organization to serve at least one client annually with some type of affordable housing assistance.
Ford said the board hopes to select a rehab client by July and complete this year’s project sometime in August or September.
To be eligible, a family of four must have an annual household income of at least $14,669 and earn no more than $35,212. The income frame for a two-person household begins at $11,750 and ends at $28,200.
Those wishing to apply should call 660.254.4410 or email [email protected].
Habitat for Humanity of Nodaway County is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry that provides affordable housing for individuals and families in need. The organization completed in eighth new home last year in Ravenwood.
Nodaway Habitat is associated with Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded in 1976 to encourage the construction of “simple, decent and affordable housing” worldwide.
