By Sara Beth Williams–
Applications for eight new affordable homes in Citrus Heights will officially open on Aug. 8, as part of Phase 2 of a partnership project between Habitat for Humanity and the City of Citrus Heights.
The second phase of homes constructed will include a mix of three- and four-bedroom single-family residences, aimed at providing homeownership opportunities for working families, according to a July 23 announcement from the city.
Those interested in applying must attend an orientation session before submitting an application. Habitat for Humanity will host both an information night and two formal orientation events at the Citrus Heights Event Center, located at 6300 Fountain Square Drive.
An information session will be held on Monday, July 28, followed by two available orientation sessions on Aug. 12 and Aug. 15. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with each session beginning promptly at 6 p.m.
Phase 2 follows the successful launch of the first phase of construction, which included the development of eight single-family homes along a previously underutilized parcel near Sayonara Drive. That initial phase saw overwhelming community interest, with over 300 submitted applications according to Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento CEO Leah miller, who spoke at the groundbreaking for Phase 1 of the project.
The local Habitat for Humanity has called the Sayonara housing project their “largest housing project to date.”
The groundbreaking was attended by multiple local and regional leaders and partners, including several Citrus Heights City Council members and city staff, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, former and current Habitat for Humanity volunteers, members of the Citrus Heights Police Department, and more.
The Sayonara housing project focuses on helping families earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income qualify for a starter home in order to build equity through home ownership and “break cycles of poverty,” Miller said.
Selected applicants will participate in Habitat’s “sweat equity” program, which requires contributing 500 volunteer hours toward building their homes.
Applications open Aug. 8. Interested applicants can visit Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento’s website for more information and for eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply.
