Habitat builds decent affordable housing for families in need
Contributed by Sallee Gaines
Roger Powell, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County (HFHMC), first heard of the organization in 2004 when a Habitat volunteer made a presentation to his men’s group at his church in Columbus, Ohio.
Habitat’s mission statement is to build decent, affordable houses for those in need. “That got me good,” Roger laughed. He’s been working with this philanthropic agency and has been a resident of Mariposa for the last seven years.
HFHMC took applications until the end of July for two houses to be constructed, one in Mariposa on Stroming Road and one in Coulterville. “These are our first Mariposa County houses in four years, and we’re excited about them. Many people think we give these homes away but that’s not the way it works.”
For those who are interested in applying for a home the future, there are certain qualifications and commitments. You must have a financial need and be willing to pay a mortgage. You also must have a willingness to partner with Habitat in contributing to the project by a virtue called “sweat equity.”
This means you will physically help build your own house. A family with one single adult puts in 250 hours, two adults contribute 300 hours. Children can also earn hours as well. Anyone who would like an application can contact Habitat at (209) 966-7444. The application packet contains an application for Habitat (the builder) and for the United States Department of Agriculture 502 Program, which provides the funding. Decisions are based on applicants with the greatest need.
“Choosing the right candidate isn’t an easy decision to make, and the board of directors has to do it,” Powell explained. On July 1, HFHMC announced its new board members, including President Seth Porter (retired engineer), Shannon LeDuc (tax consultant), Phyllis Becker (pottery artist), Julie Gibbons (retired teacher from MCUSD), Steve Bulfer (Catholic priest), and Glen Rothell (retired Forest Service employee). “We have a good, solid board with people from all walks of life. This continues to be a busy year,” Powell said.
Once the family is selected, Habitat goes into partnership with them, signs agreements to do its part, and goes over house plans. “We go over the process of permits and construction of the house with the owner’s help. Once the house is built, the owners close with the USDA, we give them the keys, and they move into the brand new home that they helped build,” Powell exclaimed.
Citizens can contribute to this worthwhile organization by donations and/or volunteering time and labor to build the houses. Experience is not needed. In Mariposa, there are typically 20 people working a home, but they could certainly use additional manpower. Powell was in Paradise after the fire when Habitat was preparing to rebuild one of its first homes. They had 30 volunteers per week for six months. They didn’t have a construction manager so Powell stepped in so that the team could focus on construction efforts.
HFHMC has been up and running in Mariposa County since 2008. Five homes have been constructed to date through its program and efforts, providing decent, affordable housing. Come join the mission.
The local organization’s website is Mariposahabitat.org.
