03/10/2011: "21 More Self-Help Homes"

Homes for Islanders (HFI) have been awarded $500k USDA-Rural Development Grant to provide Technical Assistance for 21 self-help homes in Friday Harbor.

The grant provides over $500,000 for staff, supplies, and overhead to continue HFI’s Self-help Homeownership Program. These funds provide supervision and training for 21 families to build their homes at Country Village Estates on Lampard Road in Friday Harbor. The first group of 10 families has been formed and will likely start construction in May or June. HFI is currently taking applications to form the second group (11 families).

As a result of budget cuts at the Federal level, it currently appears that 2011 may be the final year in which the USDA-RD subsidized mortgage loans are available. Consequently HDI has accelerated their planned homebuilding timeline for the second group of 11 families; they plan to start construction in July, closely following the 10-family group.

Typical Homes for Islanders homes may be seen on Browne Road, off of Lampard. Their website has a link to photos www.homesforislanders.org.

Those interested in applying for what may be the final HFI self-help homes are encouraged to contact Homes for Islanders at 370-5944, email to info@homesforislanders.org, or visit the office at 640 Mullis Street, Suite 102b (on the corner of Mullis St. and Market St., across from Whidbey Island Bank).

Agencies contributing to this project include:

The United States Department of Agriculture - Rural Development
Washington State Department of Commerce - Housing Trust Fund
Community Frameworks
Housing Assistance Council
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
San Juan County
Town of Friday Harbor

This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Washington D. C. 20250.