PORT ANGELES — Two families will move into new homes in time for Christmas next year, thanks in part to a $71,000 grant given to Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County earlier this month.
The grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will pay for more than half of the costs associated with building one of two homes Habitat has slated to construct in 2011 in Maloney Heights.
The 15-lot subdivision in west Port Angeles is being developed through a partnership with the Habitat affiliate, Serenity House and the city of Port Angeles.
The two three-bedroom homes will be the first built in the subdivision.
One is earmarked for Janet Scott and her two daughters, while the other will go to Delta and Jarrett Shore, who have four children, said Maitland Peet, executive director of the Clallam County Habitat affiliate.
He said the group hopes to break ground in March or April.
28-unit dedication
Meanwhile, Serenity House of Clallam County has completed a 28-unit studio apartment building at 2311 W. 18th St. and plans a dedication ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The apartment building will be for the chronically homeless.
Habitat volunteers
The other 14 lots in the subdivision will be single-family homes, built by Habitat volunteers and the prospective owners themselves, who contribute “sweat equity” to the construction.
Underground infrastructure for the entire subdivision is complete, and above-ground infrastructure — such as streets, sidewalks and stormwater retention — is currently in plan review with the city of Port Angeles.
Divided costs
Once Habitat homes are finished, first-time home owners buy them, paying back no-interest loans.
Each home costs about $130,000 to build, Peet said.
In addition to the grant from the national Thrivent organization, which will pay 55 percent of the costs of one home, the local Thrivent chapter and local Lutheran congregations will provide another 10 percent, Peet said, while Habitat provides the remaining 35 percent.
“We are grateful to Thrivent, to the local Lutheran community and to the scores of volunteers that have worked with us on past builds and will help us to complete these upcoming homes,” Peet said.
$10.4 million committed
Nationally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has committed $10.4 million to Habitat homes, which will help fund 164 additional homes in 33 states.
Habitat for Humanity International recently reached a milestone, Peet said. The organization has built 400,000 homes around the world.
“As an affiliate, we have contributed to that worldwide effort,” Peet said.
Habitat has constructed 21 homes in Clallam County. The Maloney Heights homes to be built next year will be the 22nd and 23rd.
Volunteers are essential to the program, Peet said.
After streets and sidewalks are installed during the first three months of 2011, “at that point, we will be ready for volunteers,” Peet said.
“We will need many volunteers to help.”
To volunteer, contribute or get more information, phone 360-681-6780 or visit www.habitatclallam.org.
