Owning a home is a dream for many. And while some may take a slightly different route in doing so, the joy is still the same.
This includes those individuals who become homeowners through the Habitat for Humanity program. Soon, three more individuals will be added to that list. But unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for a new triplex at 460 Peach Lane in Uptown, originally scheduled for later this month, have been canceled.
“We are disappointed that we won’t be able to hold the dedication celebration on April 25, but we do have some other cool ideas, through video, that we’re working on to celebrate with our future homeowners and everyone who participated in the success of the construction of the three homes,” Executive Director of Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity Tania Simms said.
The new homes are not quite finished. Simms said the organization had to cancel all volunteer activity, which delayed their completion.
“We are finishing work with some fabulous sub-contractors who are coming through to help us out and also with our construction management team,” she said. “We expect the homes to be fully finished before the end of this month.”
They have two homebuyers currently under purchase contracts for the three-bedroom, two-bath homes. In addition, they are close to having the homebuyer for the two-bedroom, two-bath approved.
“The homes are beautiful on the inside and outside,” Simms said. “They fit perfectly in the neighborhood and in Sedona. Habitat is grateful to everyone who has partnered with them, provided support and made in-kind and financial contributions to help make the building of the three homes a reality,” she said.
“There are so many contributors who have participated in planning and building these homes,” Simms said. “I’d love to have you list everyone when we’re totally finished building. We have a few who are coming on board now that we’re in crunch time, and I would hate to leave them off the list.”
The two women who are under purchase to contract are very excited to move into their new homes, Simms added.
“They’re biggest dreams are coming true for themselves and their children,” she said. “They have both worked so hard and have done everything we have asked them to do, in their partnership with Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity. They have earned the right to be Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity homeowners.”
In terms of the project, Habitat proposed a townhouse subdivision with a triplex on a quarter-acre of land on Peach Lane. The properties to the west and north are multi-family residential and single-family residential lots to the east. The land on which the Habitat homes would be built is also zoned multi-family residential.
The city approved a subdivision request that would allow for the applicant to sell the units to individuals. Without approval of a subdivision application, the units could not be sold separately but could be rented.
In order to be considered to be one of the Habitat homeowners, applicants must be a legal resident of the United States and meet one of the following need criteria to start:
- Currently living in overcrowded or substandard living conditions
- Paying more than 30% of monthly income for housing
- Inability to secure a traditional mortgage
- Must have residence in the Verde Valley for no less than 12 consecutive months
- No bankruptcies in the past 24 months
- Have an ability to pay an affordable mortgage
- Be willing to partner with VVHFH to build their home
- Applicants must have an annual income that falls between 35% and 60% of the Yavapai County median income.
“This is a first for Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity to build three homes all at one time,” Simms said when the project was being proposed. “We have never held a Home Builder’s Blitz here in the Verde Valley. We are very excited that the Sedona community and many supporters are coming together to accomplish this project.”
