Potential owners undergo a detailed screening to qualify for a Habitat home that is not only financed by the organization, but which Jensen said is also the “developer and mortgage holder.” About $130,000 has been raised so far for the project, which requires families that qualify for housing to donate “500 hours of sweat equity” during the construction that typically takes six to nine months.With Ventura County’s median income at about $75,000, Habitat offers housing to those who make up to $45,000 annually, depending on household size. If a Habitat homeowner decides to sell, the organization has the first right of refusal... safeguards are built in to ensure that homes aren’t flipped for high profit and that future owners are low-income.Habitat homeowners must prove they are legal residents of the United States, and Jensen noted that workshops are mandatory to learn home maintenance and positive neighborhood relationships. Those interested in participating in the program number about 6,000 countywide, and volunteers to help build homes are always being sought.“When I think of an organization that really helps the community, Habitat for Humanity comes to the top of the list,” said Rotary President Mitch Stone.
Habitat for Humanity: Second SP project will construct three homes
August 17, 2007
Santa Paula News
Habitat for Humanity is finalizing details to start construction of three single-family residences in Santa Paula, offering a unique opportunity for families of low income to become homeowners, the executive director of the nonprofit organization told Rotarians at a recent meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesHabitat for Humanity is finalizing details to start construction of three single-family residences in Santa Paula, offering a unique opportunity for families of low income to become homeowners, the executive director of the nonprofit organization told Rotarians at a recent meeting. “It means so much to me” to meet people in the community, said Karen Jensen, who has led the Ventura County branch of the organization for nine years.Habitat mirrors the Rotary tenets of the 4-Way Test by treating people fairly, being truthful about opportunities and obligations of homeownership, and fostering good will and betterment for all by providing low-cost housing that enhances the neighborhoods where Habitat houses are constructed.Ventura County Habitat was started in 1983 with a $5 million donation by Santa Paula native Virgil Nelson and his wife Lynn, who also provided the seed funding to create Food Share and Project Understanding. Nationally, Habitat has constructed more than 225,000 homes.Habitat’s first Santa Paula home - constructed in partnership with the Santa Paula Rotary Club led by Past President Joe Jauregui - turned an odd shaped lot with a large tree that could not be removed into a home for a low-income family now celebrating the graduation of their daughter from Brigham Young University. Habitat’s second city project will be on property located near Ojai and Ventura Streets, where a now-abandoned boarding house will be demolished to make room for the new Habitat homes.
