Will County Habitat for Humanity
Expanding
Affordable Housing
Will County Habitat for Humanity
Amount Awarded: $2,500,000 | Project Status: Projected Completion Winter 2024
Groundbreaking Developments in Elwood and Lockport
With the recent ARPA funding, WCHFH has initiated groundbreaking projects in Elwood and Lockport, geared towards expanding affordable housing. This development includes eight duplex units and three single-family homes, thus extending a lifeline to 11 families in need of secure and affordable accommodation. The projects in Elwood comprise eight duplex units alongside a single-family home, whereas Lockport will see the construction of two single-family homes. This initiative not only strengthens Will County’s housing capacity but also affirms Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to ensuring that every resident has a safe and stable place to call home.
Building Will County Strong
The initiative, “Building Will County Strong,” targets several critical areas with the primary goal of mitigating the housing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. This initiative will increase the number of affordable housing units, particularly focusing on families who face housing insecurity and those currently living in substandard conditions.
Additionally, all homes constructed will adhere to Energy Star standards and will be built to Habitat Strong specifications, ensuring they are resilient against natural disasters. This approach not only guarantees safety and sustainability but also supports Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing commitment to permanent affordability.
WCHFH is also committed to assisting families in achieving homeownership by providing comprehensive support services. This includes down payment assistance, affordable mortgage options, and financial literacy programs, all designed to promote long-term housing stability
As homes are sold, a portion of the sales price returns to WCHFH in cash or through a forgivable second mortgage. This reinvestment strategy ensures that 68% of the disposition value is reinvested into new homes. Each home initially funded at $220,000 can, through an 8-home building cycle, reinvest $446,127.62. This reinvestment for 11 homes totals $4,907,403.80, effectively funding approximately 22 additional homes.
A Word From Our Leadership
Nicole Murray, CEO of Will County Habitat for Humanity, articulates the project’s vision:
We appreciate the continued support and look forward to sharing more success stories as we progress. Our strategic use of ARPA funds not only meets immediate housing needs but also ensures long-term sustainability and community impact through our reinvestment model. Additionally, by leveraging ARPA funds as a match for other grants, we have further increased our capacity to deliver affordable housing solutions.”
Partnership for Broader Impact
The initiative’s success is amplified by strategic partnerships with local stakeholders such as Citgo, G&W Electric, Southern Glacier Wine & Spirits, Lockport Township, Joliet Junior College, and Sheppard of the Hill Church. These collaborations provide both funding and volunteer support, crucial for addressing affordable housing barriers and enhancing community engagement.
Engagement and Reinvestment: A Sustainable Model
WCHFH encourages community members, businesses, and organizations to engage with and support this impactful work. Importantly, through Habitat’s unique business model, current homeowners contribute mortgage payments that are reinvested into building more homes. This creates a self-sustaining cycle where initial ARPA funding not only builds homes but is reinvested to multiply its impact. Over the next decade, this model will enable the $2,500,000 in ARPA funds to assist over 50 families in achieving homeownership, as each funded home helps finance the construction of five additional homes.
Milestones and Future Plans
We have initiated the construction of 13 homes utilizing ARPA fund, and 5 homes are either completed or will be completed in the coming weeks. WCHFH plans to break ground on 6 more homes this summer, bringing the total to 19 homes. WCHFH is poised for significant growth, with plans underway to break ground on 11 additional homes within the year. These homes will be funded through a combination of ARPA funds and other sources, ensuring they continue to address affordable housing needs comprehensively. For more information or to learn how to contribute to these transformative housing projects, please visit habitatwill.org or contact Partner Relations Manager Raquel Cooley-Lightbourne at rcooley@habitatwill.org.