CENTRAL VALLEY, California – Nine Tulare County families celebrated their dream of becoming homeowners and receiving the keys to their homes.
They were working on their own homes for almost a year until this Thursday they saw the end of the process, where they not only learned about construction but were also advised on the financial process.
The Cisneros couple celebrates the family’s achievement. “With many sacrifices, but if we feel like it”, they comment.
Rosa Acosta says that it took about 16 years to get her house, but “after the dream stagnated, now thanks to God it came true and we now have something for our family.”
BUILD YOUR OWN HOUSE
Through this program called Build Own your Home, or Build your own House 8 to 12 families band together and agree to help each other build their future homes with the supervision and guidance of Self-Help Enterprises construction crews.
The houses are built under the mutual self-help construction method where each family must contribute a minimum of 40 hours a week working on all the houses for a period of 9 to 12 months.
“Family hours can be provided by the prospective homeowners, any household member age 16 or older, and approved helpers,” according to the company.
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Together, families lay the foundation, frame the houses, install electrical wiring, hang doors and windows, and even lay tile and paint.
These work hours are taken as a down payment on the home, which “reduces the costs of a new home that they couldn’t otherwise afford,” according to Self-Help Enterprises.
Alejandra Cortez also received the keys to her house at the inauguration ceremony of the new condominium in Orosí. She highlights feeling very satisfied with everything that was done as a group and how each member of the family contributed to the process.
The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the state of California, whose goal is to increase the number of affordable homes, primarily for low-income families.
Lupe Félix, who is in charge of the program in Self Help Enterprises explains that there are not many requirements to apply.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME?
- Down payment and closing costs are not included in your primary loan
- Monthly mortgage payment is based on household income
- Your payment could be lower than what you pay for rent
- Low interest rates
- energy efficient homes
- A new house for your family
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?
- Good credit status (if you have no credit you may also qualify)
- stable income
- Income not exceeding eligibility guidelines
- Ability and willingness to meet the labor requirement.
- The primary applicant must be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen
The housing program is available in these San Joaquin Valley cities: Reedley, Turlock, Chowchilla, Fresno, Planada, and Shafter.
For more information you can visit the organization’s website or call Self-Help Enterprises at (559) 651-1000 and speak to Lupe Félix.
At least 8,000 California families have benefited from the program.
