In a region where affordable housing is increasingly out of reach, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County is building homes through community.
The organization has been serving East Jefferson County since 1998 and built or repaired over 100 homes. With rising housing prices and limited rental availability, the need for Habitat’s services is becoming greater.
With 156 homes in its current development pipeline, Habitat for Humanity is actively seeking homebuyer applicants, donors and volunteers. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County
“We’re growing right now in order to meet the needs of an affordable housing crisis,” says Ellen Michael Caldwell, Director of Communications for Habitat EJC. “In Washington State, one in seven households spends more than half their income on housing. You need an income of approximately $161,000 a year to purchase a median-priced home here. People who work here can’t afford to live here.”
Habitat homes aren’t free, they’re sold at affordable rates to local families who qualify based on income and housing need. Homebuyers contribute up to 400 hours of ‘sweat equity,’ working on their own homes and those of others. Monthly mortgage payments are structured so that no more than 30 percent of a family’s income goes to housing costs.
The homes themselves are design and energy efficient. Ranging from 900 to 1,470 square feet, all Habitat homes are Energy Star certified, meaning they are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than standard builds, reducing long-term utility costs for families.
Habitat homes are sold at affordable rates to local families who qualify based on income and housing need. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County
Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County is evolving to meet rising housing demand by shifting toward higher-density, community-minded designs. The City of Port Townsend has created opportunities for increased housing density through codes such as ‘unit lot subdivision’ used at Cliff Street Cottages – a six-home neighborhood in Port Townsend. Alongside developments like this, Habitat EJC has also utilized ‘zero-lot-line’ codes to build paired homes, which make more efficient use of land by building homes closer together – helping increase affordable housing without sacrificing livability.
One recently completed home is the story of Susan and Cindy, a beloved local couple who volunteer extensively in the community.. “They blew past their sweat equity hours,” Caldwell says. “They were out on the job site constantly, helping build what was to be their future home and as well as seven other homes!”
When the opportunity arose to move into a recently vacated Habitat home, Susan and Cindy embraced it – joining a unique Habitat initiative that “recycles” existing Habitat homes, giving them new life for future homeowners. The dedication ceremony for their home drew such a large crowd that people filled the yard and overflowed into the street.
“There were prayers and blessings, a community choir, board members, friends – it was a true celebration of what home means,” Caldwell says. “You can’t put into words the spirit of community that came together around one family.”
With 156 homes in its current development pipeline, Habitat is actively seeking homebuyer applicants, donors and volunteers. “This is a fantastic organization to be a part of,” Caldwell says. “Whether you give your time, store donations, or a monetary donation, you’re helping build someone’s future – and right now, we need our community’s support more than ever.”
Homebuyer applications and volunteer opportunities can be found at habitatejc.org. Make sure to follow on Facebook for more.