By Larry Hendricks | AZ Daily Sun
It’s a perfect partnership.
Coconino Community College needs to offer real-world experience to the students in the Construction Technology Management program. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona needs workers to help build affordable homes for Flagstaff.
In late May, leaders for the two organizations got together and made the arrangement formal. CCC CTM students will help HFH build the first of, with hope, many “starter homes” for the Flagstaff community beginning this fall.
“We want to encourage workforce development and retention to keep that talent in the community,” Eric Wolverton, executive director of HFH, said. “Starter homes are an asset that keep giving. They will be a community asset serving multiple families.”
Starter homes are homes with smaller “footprints” – approximately 350 square feet, Wolverton explained. Similar to studio living, the homes will also have a full kitchen and bath. The purpose of the homes is to give residents an opportunity to get into home ownership and save money in the process.
Wolverton explained that the homes will be made available from HFH to qualified applicants. Applicants are selected based on income and need, and they must contribute “sweat equity” to help build the home. HFH finances the loan and offers 0% interest. The land the home sits on belongs to the city and is leased at a vastly reduced rate for 99 years to keep the build affordable.
