Unique Housing Project Enters Final Phase

The first and largest Habitat For Humanity project of its kind in Sacramento has entered the final phase of construction. 

Four homes are finished. Five are under construction. And crews have poured the foundation work on the final five homes on Indian Lane in South Sacramento. The homes have the unique designation of being LEED Certified, mass-transit oriented, and owned by low-income families. Ken Cross is the Sacramento Habitat For Humanity CEO. He says  families must go through a strict selection process to qualify for a loan. 

"We abide all fair housing laws," says Cross. "But at the end of the day we're not only the builder, but we're also the lender. So, we want to make sure these people are going to be paying their mortgages for the next 30 years."

Cross says the organization has never had a homeowner default on a property. The mortgages are for no-interest loans. Local businesses and organizations sponsor each home's $75,000 cost. 

Volunteers provide the labor.  Jason Samples is with Americorps and helps the site manager by training other volunteers. Bob Moffitt / Capital Public Radio

"It's great," Samples says, "to actually learn something and be able to teach volunteers how to do this and have them go on their way and do something and not have to worry.

Jessica Edwards is volunteering to get hands-on experience to go with her interior design degree.

"Last time I did the nail gun," Edwards says. "This time I'm actually cutting the cement board that goes on. A lot of precision. Have to make sure everything is perfect, spot-on. It's fun."

Habitat For Humanity hopes to finish the last house by the end of the year.