SPOKANE, Wash. – Future Habitat homeowner, Janessa, broke ground on what will soon be her home last Friday. Together with her children and Habitat-Spokane partners from Viking Homes and Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA), Janessa celebrated the beginning of building a solid foundation for her family’s future.
“I’m so excited for this day,” Janessa said. “It’s been a journey and I’m grateful the day is finally here. I can really picture my family here.”
Construction of Janessa’s home will take place during Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz in July. Two major supporters of Habitat-Spokane’s mission, Viking Homes and SHBA, will take lead on the build and sponsor the project. Janessa will help build and purchase her home paying no more that 30% of her income toward mortgage payments.
Janessa partnered with Habitat-Spokane after learning about the homeownership program through another local non-profit. She was accepted into the program based on her need, her ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and her willingness to partner with Habitat. As part of that partnership, Janessa will complete 500 hours of sweat equity, which includes building her own home and the homes of her future neighbors, working in the Habitat store and completing homebuyer readiness courses.
Joel White, Executive Officer at SHBA, shared his excitement about participating in the day’s event.
“I’m really proud to be here on behalf of Spokane Home Builders Association and our 750 members to serve this community,” Joel said. “We share the same passion for affordable homeownership as Habitat for Humanity, and we are very excited that Viking Homes has stepped up and made this project a reality.”
Owner of Viking Homes, Ryan Olson, said he got involved with the project because it aligns with his family’s values.
“My father worked his entire life to help as many people as he could achieve the dream of homeownership,” Ryan said. “We are honored to have the opportunity to do this with SHBA and Habitat for Humanity.”
Janessa has worked hard toward achieving her dream of homeownership. She has completed approximately 300 hours of her required sweat equity while also attending—and recently graduating from—college and working to support her family.
When asked what she is most looking forward to after purchasing her Habitat home, Janessa said, “Not having to live in a small apartment with all my kids. Just having space for my kids to grow and thrive. Being able to make our home our own and knowing we won’t have to move.”
Viking Homes and SHBA’s partnership with Habitat-Spokane means the house will be built at no cost to Habitat. Sales of Habitat homes to qualified homebuyers go back into a revolving fund to build more Habitat homes.
The Groundbreaking ceremony began at 10:00 am on Friday, May 3 and included testimony from future Habitat homeowner Janessa and remarks from Viking Homes owner Ryan Olson, SHBA Executive Officer Joel White, and Habitat for Humanity CEO Michelle Girardot.
Habitat-Spokane would like to recognize all partners who have committed to support Home Builders Blitz as of groundbreaking: Air Design, Arrow Kitchen and Bath, Audette Flooring, Band Construction, Builders First Choice, C&K Roofing, Cascade Cleaning, Cascade Gutters, Colors Inc., Copper River, Cruiz Construction, D&S Carpentry, Dew Drop Landscaping, Fred’s Appliances, Gold Seal Plumbing, Great Floors, Henderson Drywall, Homestyle Lighting, Huntwood, Millionis Custom Homes, Nation Serve Garage Door, Parr Lumber, PlyGem, Provident Electric, Specialty Insulation, Spokane Home Builders Association, The Truss Co., Thomas Plumbing, Viking Homes, Wausau.
If you are interested in being a part of Home Builders Blitz or would like to learn more, visit: https://habitat-spokane.org/hbb/