By Sara Beth Williams–
Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento President and CEO Leah Miller reported to the Citrus Heights City Council last week that the first eight homes being constructed on Sayonara Drive should be complete in May.
After a groundbreaking ceremony last spring, vertical construction on phase one of the Sayonara Drive permanent housing project began in August 2026, marking a major milestone after years of planning. Full completion of all 26 homes is expected by October 2027.
The homes are being constructed in three phases, with the first eight homes currently under construction. Phase one families were selected last fall, Miller said. Habitat for Humanity plans to officially sell the homes to selected families in June 2026 and hold a dedication ceremony of the homes on June 6.
Phase two will include four additional homes, with those families already selected as well, Miller said. Construction on the set of homes in phase two is expected to wrap up by October 2026, with another dedication ceremony to follow.
Applications for phase three will open Feb. 1 and will be accepted through March 25, with construction beginning in November 2026 and final completion expected in October 2027.
The development will include a mix of home sizes to accommodate a range of family needs, including two five-bedroom, two-bath homes; two two-bedroom, one-bath homes; twelve three-bedroom, two-bath homes; and ten four-bedroom, two-bath homes.
All homes are being constructed with sustainability features, including electric-vehicle readiness, rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Volunteer participation has played a significant role in the project. Over a five-month period, 330 volunteers contributed more than 2,430 hours of labor, Miller said. Habitat estimates that by the time the project is completed, approximately 6,000 volunteers will have contributed more than 40,000 hours. Future homeowners, referred to as family partners, are also expected to contribute a combined 13,000 hours of “sweat equity.”
“We are looking for qualified home buyers who are currently earning between 30 and 80 percent of AMI (Area Median Income) … who are currently living in overcrowded or substandard conditions or are paying more than 50 percent of their income in rent,” Miller said, adding that applicants must also be willing to commit to 500 hours of sweat equity.
Citrus Heights Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff expressed excitement at seeing Sayonara Drive get a “facelift” and referenced councilmember Kelsey Nelson’s previous request in December to explore the possibility of renaming Sayonara Drive. Miller said Habitat for Humanity would support a street name change.
Miller reported the total project cost is approximately $8.5 million. Funding sources include CalHome funding, federal funding, Habitat local sponsorships, and community partner contributions, which total $2 million to date.
Two in-person orientation sessions for phase three applicants are scheduled for Jan. 26 and Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Event Center. Virtual orientation sessions will also be available. Applications open on Feb 1. and will be accepted until 4 p.m. on March 25.
For more information on how to apply visit the city of Citrus Heights and Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento’s website for the most updated information.
