HOMES FOR ISLANDERS

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OPAL CLT Awarded $568,600 for Affordable Rental Housing Project

$320K available for down payment assistance

Two lots available for sweat equity homes in Friday Harbor

posted 06/24/02
Homes For Islanders will be able to use a $20,000 grant it received to help acquire affordable land for two self help construction projects. According to Rene Polda, "It looked like we were going to have to give the grant back because the development we had in mind (at the end of Grover Street) isn't ready yet. However, recently Frank Penwell has agreed to sell two of his lots located in Greenway subdivision at affordable prices."

While the group has 12 applicants for the other subdivision project, they want to encourage others to apply in case none of the 12 qualify for this project.

Tim or Rene Polda
PO Box 3293
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360.378.6112

Turn sweat equity into a new home

posted 04/29/01
Applications are now available for people wanting to build and buy a home in Friday Harbor through a sweat equity house building program provided by Homes for Islanders. This program is for people who can't afford a $20,000 to $30,000 down payment typically required to purchase a home. Sweat equity, providing the labor to build your own house, is your down payment.

No prior construction experience is required. A construction supervisor will be on site to teach and assist in the construction process. However, participants must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the program:

1. U.S. citizenship or proof of legal residency

2. Do not currently own an adequate home for past 3 years.

3. Must be physically capable of doing construction work. For example: climbing ladders, lifting lumber, hammering nails, operating electric saws, etc. (If unable to physically do these tasks, provide a reasonable plan to have someone else do it for you.)

4. Must commit to working 35 hours per week on house and attend weekly meetings.

5. Must have good credit.

6. Meet income requirements for low income. (up to 80% of median income)

7. Two or more years residency in San Juan County preferred.

The new development will be able to accommodate up to eight low income families in the new Islanders Addition subdivision by the elementary school in Friday Harbor. House plans include some options of 800 to 1100 square foot homes (2 to 3 bedrooms) and have exterior appearances which blend in with other Friday Harbor neighborhoods.

During construction, interest only payments will be due monthly. There will be a restriction on equity gained for resale or refinancing.

Homes for Islanders (HFI) is a non-profit organization run by a board of local volunteers interested in assisting people attain affordable housing ownership.

For an application or more information contact:

Tim or Rene Polda
PO Box 3293
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360.378.6112

or pick up an application from Tony at Islanders Bank in Friday Harbor.

More information is also available on Home for Islanders Web site.

Sharon Kivisto and Matt Pranger
can be reached:
phone: 360.378.3748      fax: 360.378.9748
by e-mail: news@sanjuanislander.com

by mail: San Juan Islander
PO Box 1118
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA

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