“Mutual Self-Help Housing is working together as one unit to complete all homes within a project. This may only be achieved successfully with everyone putting their best hand forward and working together.”
Mutual Self-Help Housing
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Click any of the images above to view more pictures from our Mutual Self-Help Housing program.
Download the Mutual Self-Help Housing Brochure (PDF)
Process
- Groups of 4-10 households.
- Participants pre-qualify and receive loans through USDA Rural Development.
- Participants are required to complete financial education, including Homebuyer’s Education and Post-Purchase Education. integrated with Foreclosure Prevention
- Participants complete construction training.
- Each household is required to work 35 hours a week on the homes.
- Average construction time to complete all homes in each group is 12 months.
Top Reasons to Build a Mutual Self-Help Home
- “Sweat Equity”
Approximately $20,000 instant equity when you move into your new home. - Own a New Home
Homes range from 1266-1600 square feet and include at least 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, and a double car garage. Homes are energy efficient and include energy conserving appliances. - Become a “Smart Buyer”
SEICAA requires all participants to complete Homebuyers Essentials Training, including Pre- and Post-Purchase components. Homebuyers will have knowledge and skills needed to maintain homeownership. - Affordable Monthly Payments
Mortgages are fixed 1-6% interest rates. - Build Your Neighborhood
Get to know your neighbors and develop a sense of community. - Acquire New Skills
Through time spent on site, you’ll learn basic construction skills (making future maintenance and repairs easier) and how to weatherize your home.
Program Overview
SEICAA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing is a program that enables groups of families to build their own and their neighbors’ homes under the supervision of an experienced construction supervisor. Eligible families work together in groups of 4-10 for approximately 12 months to construct all homes in the group. Participants are required to provide 65% of the labor on the homes, with a commitment of 35 hours a week. The labor contribution becomes the down-payment , known as “sweat equity.” Participants may also qualify for additional subsidies, down-payment assistance, and gap financing. Once all homes are complete, the group simultaneously receive Certificates of Occupancy and can move into their homes.
Program Requirements
- Must be willing and able to work 35 hours a week of “sweat equity” per household (ADA Reasonable Accommodations possible).
- Household must income qualify and cannot make more than 80% Area Median Income.
- Must complete Homebuyers Essential Courses, including Homebuyers Education and Post-Purchase Education integrated with Foreclosure Prevention training.
- Must be able to legally enter into a contract.
- May not have a bankruptcy in the past 36 months.
- Reasonable credit history.
- Must possess adequate and dependable income to cover financial obligations.
- Rent or own sub-standard housing.
2009 Low-Income Guidelines
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 4 Person | 6 Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bannock | $30,450 | $34,800 | $43,500 | $50,450 |
| Bear Lake | $28,400 | $32,450 | $40,550 | $47,050 |
| Bingham | $29,250 | $33,400 | $41,750 | $48,450 |
| Caribou | $31,000 | $35,450 | $44,300 | $51,400 |
| Franklin | $31,100 | $35,500 | $44,400 | $51,500 |
| Oneida | $28,400 | $32,450 | $40,550 | $47,050 |
| Power | $30,450 | $34,800 | $43,500 | $50,450 |
Application
Download Affordable Housing Pre-Application (PDF)
Download Authorization to Release Information (PDF)
Contact:
Ramona Raymond
208-232-1114 x157
Submit Applications to:
SEICAA
Attn: Ramona Raymond
641 N. 8th Ave.
Pocatello, ID 83201