More families needed to build homes
The Self Help Housing program is recruiting more families who want to build a home, said Shannon Worden, housing assistant for Region 5 and the Self Help Housing program.
The program's goal is to build 12 homes in two years, focusing on Brainerd. Region 5 serves Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties.
Worden said people think there is a catch with the housing program, but there isn't. She said the program has more lenient income guidelines than other affordable housing programs to make it easier for families to qualify. She also said families do not have to have any construction experience.
Individuals interested must have good credit, be employed full time and be unable to obtain conventional mortgage loans. The program's income guidelines state one person must make no more than $29,250 a year; two-person family, $33,400 a year; three-person family, $37,600 a year; four-person family, $41,750 a year; and five-person family, $45,100 a year.
If you go
What: Open house for the Self Help Housing program
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19
Where: On-site at 920 28th St. S.E.
Why: To tour the homes, learn more about the program and take applications for the next set of homes to be built
Worden said the family is responsible for paying for the home and lot. The family applies for a loan through Rural Development before being approved for the program. The family does not have to pay a down payment. The loans can have terms for up to 38 years and an interest rate as low as 1 percent.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.