FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Tracy Atwood, President

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest CT (860) 824-7258

FALLS VILLAGE, CT January 4, 2016. Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut announced today that applications are now being accepted from potential applicants for two homes located in Falls Village. There will be an open house on Saturday January 23, from 1 - 4 pm at both homes: 86 Sand Road and 40 River Road, both in Falls Village. The application period ends on February 10, 2016.

The mission of Habitat's Northwest Connecticut affiliate is to provide quality, affordable housing for moderate-income, working families who live, work, or have some other close connection in Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury or Sharon.

Habitat caters to people who are priced out of the local home ownership market by a limited income, but earn enough to afford the lower monthly payments that Habitat's program makes possible. For example, a family of four must make less than a combined gross income of $52,200. This figure is adjusted up or down depending on the size of family.

Habitat does not serve the housing needs of those with minimal income - other agencies, both governmental and private, are set-up to assist that segment of the population. Nor will it serve the needs of those who are able to qualify for commercially available mortgage funds.

To be eligible for a Habitat home, applicants must have a need to improve their living conditions. For instance, if they're now squeezing too many family members in a one-bedroom apartment, if they're perhaps enduring serious mold conditions, a failing or inadequate heating system, poor insulation, or any other issue that significantly impairs quality of life. They must also demonstrate a sense of responsibility for meeting current financial obligations, like rent, as well as verify adequate income to pay Habitat's comfortably affordable monthly payments.

Additionally, applicants must commit to partner with Habitat by investing 400 hours of their own labor in the Habitat program. That means working on the construction of Habitat homes, theirs or one for another family. "Sweat equity" can be earned in other ways, like volunteering to work in Habitat's fund-raising events or at our store in Canaan or other approved activities. Other family members can contribute time to be credited as sweat equity -- even friends and relatives are welcome to pitch in.

"Habitat's proven formula for maintaining affordable terms is based on keeping acquisition and construction costs low, and making interest-free mortgages," said Dawn Whalen, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut. Dedicated volunteers, including the partner family, provide construction labor, under the skilled supervision of qualified professionals. Local vendors, artisans and craftspeople donate or offer sharply discounted prices for high quality supplies, materials, and specialized labor. Other local corporate and individual donors, committed to the notion of providing affordable housing in the area, also subsidize the process.

Then, upon transfer of title to the partner, now owner, Habitat retains ownership of the land, thereby reducing the buyer's monthly obligation for real estate taxes. Habitat assumes the role of a lender, making a zero-interest mortgage for a reasonable term that best suits the financial strength of the qualified applicant.

Are you or perhaps someone you know --a relative, a friend, an employee, an associate or a neighbor perhaps- eligible to become part of the Habitat Home Partnership Program? Don't wait! Call Tracy Atwood now at (860) 824-7258. Habitat will accept applications only until February 10, 2016.

                    Under Renovation: 86 Sand Road & 40 River Road, Falls Village

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. We serve the six-town area of Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, and Sharon.

Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. Partner families are required to work 400 hundred hours - "sweat equity"- in building their own home and the home of others. The houses are sold to the partner families with a no interest loan. The mortgage payments go into a revolving fund used to help build more houses.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut promotes home ownership by building houses in partnership with residents in need of adequate housing. In 2015, our affiliate dedicated its eleventh home located in North Canaan.

Dawn Whalen, Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut

dawnwhalen@habitatnwct.org

860-435-4747