We are so excited about the recent funding we received by the City of Ellensburg for the Kittitas County Habitat Water Bender project, providing up to $765,000 from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund.
The proposal was our first as part of our new strategic partnership with the Kittitas County Habitat affiliate, and really speaks to what we can accomplish working together for hard working families in Kittitas County.
The project, located at 113 W. Bender Road, is expected to break ground in April 2021. It will consist of 18 new homes serving a range of household sizes with all homes sold to those making less than 80% average median income (AMI), with three of the homes reserved for those making 60% AMI or less.
When completed, each of the 18 units will offer three bedrooms and 1- 1/2 bathrooms, allowing for flexibility in buyer needs for multi-generational families, couples, as well as accommodating small and large families.
The properties will be placed in Habitat’s Land Trust, ensuring permanent affordability for future generations and families. Through this 99-year renewable, inheritable lease that includes resale restrictions and a resale formula, this allows for equity creation that provides the owner an average of $48,300 in equity creation, based on past land trust resale properties.
We will utilize in-kind contributions for the project including donated appliances, paint, house wrap, and foam board as provided by a large-scale partnership Habitat for Humanity International provides to Kittitas County. Volunteer labor will be a large part of this project so stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved.
Information on the homeowner application process is available on https://buyhabitat.org expected by April 2021, and we will be contacting interested families by April 2021.
The groundbreaking celebration is expected this summer – more exciting details to come!