FAMILIES CELEBRATE MILESTONE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
FAMILIES CELEBRATE MILESTONE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
Ten Hawaiʻi Island families gathered Friday to celebrate the milestone of homeownership.
The Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC) blessed the second phase of its ʻĀinaloa Mutual Self-Help Housing Program during a ceremony held Friday, July 19, 2024. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes were built by and for families earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income.
“This HICDC program doesn’t just build houses; it builds dreams, new chapters, and, most importantly, communities,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “It was amazing to stand with 10 new homeowners who, because of this program, now have a chance to build generational prosperity and a future where their keiki can thrive for generations. We are incredibly proud to support these projects and to play a role in the sustainability of our community through housing and financial independence.”
The Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program assists eligible households in obtaining a home financed by the U.S. government and/or conventional lending services and coordinated by the local nonprofit.
Upon securing financing, households are then grouped to create a self-help project in which all households contribute labor toward the construction of all homes in the project.
Specialty trade work is conducted by licensed subcontractors while the remaining work — about 65% — is constructed by the households with training/guidance from contracted construction supervisors. It’s that “sweat equity” contributed by the group of households that helps to reduce the overall cost of building all the homes.
“Congratulations to these new homeowners! Your hard work and commitment have turned dreams into reality,” added Housing Administrator Susan Kunz.
For more information on the nonprofit, including how to participate in the mutual self-help housing program, visit www.hicdcorp.org. or email info.hicdc@gmail.com.
The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and operation of all County of Hawai’i housing programs. Our Mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities.
More information on the Office of Housing and Community Development and its programs can be found online at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov. To receive news alerts and OHCD’s quarterly newsletter, click here. You can also connect with OHCD on Facebook and Instagram.
