The 2.11 acres of land, which originally was meant to be the second phase of the Blackburn Cove condos on the corner of Blackburn & Old 41, zoned years ago for up to 18 units, was purchased by Habitat in 2007 for $535,000. The “Garden Park” community, as it has been named, will consist of seven two-story townhouses and two single-story duplexes with all-metal roofs. The new complex will offer affordable housing for local low-income, working families. Two of the units are designed for the disabled.
How are families selected? By a volunteer Family Selection Committee based on need, ability to pay a mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Partner families, for example, must put in 300 hours of “sweat equity” to count as part of the down payment on the home. This may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, landscaping, providing food for volunteers, or working in the Habitat office.
Partner families must also attend classes on owning and caring for a home, budgeting and credit management, and becoming a first-time homebuyer. They are responsible for the maintenance of their homes and yards, and Habitat has a program in place to insure that this happens. An ongoing relationship provides support, advocacy, friendship, and education. A community housing trust will own and oversee the land, working with the homeowners’ association and individual members as necessary. There is only one family per unit, and every family has a Habitat sponsor. When a unit is sold, only another Habitat qualified family is eligible to buy it. Each owner is responsible for his or her own mortgage.
Habitat for Humanity has an excellent track record in Sarasota County, and many churches in the area supply enthusiastic volunteers. There are currently six Habitat homes in the Nokomis area, 43 in the South County area, and more than 200,000 around the world. To learn more, go to www.habitatsouthsarasota.org
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