Mutual Self Help Housing

GroundWorks assists people to build their own homes together from the ground up, neighbor helping neighbor in our Mutual Self Help Housing program. The work on the homes (65% of it) serves in lieu of a cash downpayment. Safe, responsible financing is provided by USDA. We teach you and your neighbors the construction and group skills needed to build your home safely, manage specialty contractors and bids, provide bookkeeping for your construction loan, and more. The first 15 units built in the program are home to 18 adults and 14 children. Monthly mortgage payments have ranged from $400 to $750, with one at $950.

No experience is necessary. Each household supplies 32 hours of labor each week. The primary homebuilder must provide at least 16 hours, the rest can be provided by friends and family. The savings from the reduction in contract labor costs allows otherwise ineligible families to own their homes. Your work is your downpayment.

USDA Rural Development provides safe, responsible construction and mortgage financing to income-qualified applicants. USDA Rural Development offers mortgage rates ranging from 1% to market rate with repayment periods of 33 to 38 years.

Benefits

  • We help you build your home – no experience necessary
  • No cash down payment – your work on your home is the down payment
  • Safe and responsible financing with fixed interest rate
  • Low monthly payments from $500 to $850
  • No payments until home is complete
  • Build lasting friendships with your neighbors
  • Own an earth-friendly home with low energy costs
  • Two FREE courses which teach you an easier way to manage your finances
  • Build your own home and achieve pride of home ownership

Requirements (click here for details)

  • Meet income qualifications
  • Fair credit and reasonable debt
  • Commit to working each week on your home
  • Great team spirit & love of community
  • Desire to learn new skills
  • Desire to live in Ashland

Call Roxana at 734-2355 for more information. (Se habla español)