Empowering Our Community, One Home at a Time
The current rental and housing market is a difficult landscape to navigate, but Arielle is no stranger to difficult circumstances. As a single mom working hard to create a better future for her and her son, Arielle has persevered through many obstacles. She applied for homeownership through Habitat when her roommate moved out and left her with the full monthly rent to cover on her own. After surveying her options, Arielle decided it would be more affordable to stay in her current housing situation than move somewhere else.
The Homeownership program at Central Valley Habitat for Humanity is a solution to the affordable housing crisis that plagues many people in our area. Contrary to popular belief, participants are expected to contribute to the build as well as to a mortgage. Sweat Equity is a requirement for all homeowners. This allows people to really see how their home is built and gives them more confidence for home repairs when needed down the road. Homeowners get to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they help with things like pouring footers, installing windows, painting walls, and putting in their own appliances. The mortgage that Habitat provides is at 0% interest and is at a price below the appraised value of the home. The difference between the appraised value and the sales price is forgiven to the families over the course of the loan. This helps keep the mortgage affordable while also encouraging families to stay in their homes for many years.
The requirements for applying for a Habitat home are that you are a US Citizen or Permanent resident, have lived in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County for at least one year, you are willing to submit to a credit check, have a source of income, and are willing to work with Habitat on your home. Arielle is a wonderful example of the powerful impact that a lower house payment can impact a family's future.
