Habitat for Humanity Grants Homes in Menifee, Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore resident Emily Givens is one of seven families in the Inland Valley set to receive the keys to their new homes, courtesy of the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

“This is one of the best days in my life. As a single mom, I’ve worried about providing a stable home for my son for a long time," Givens said. "Becoming a partner family to Habitat for Humanity has relieved me of the stress and worry.”

The funds for the homes come from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, through the Housing & Economic Recovery Act approved by Congess in 2008, Habitat officials said.

Habitat for Humanity—in a partnership with the Riverside Economic Development Agency—received nearly $1.5 million.

The money was used to purchase, rehabilitate and resell seven homes, four of them in Lake Elsinore, three in Menifee, according to Kristi Reedy, publicist for the program.

There were some criteria that those who were eligible were required to meet.

"Partner families had to qualify under the Habitat for Humanity guidelines, including need, ability to pay and willingness to partner,” said Tammy Marine, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley chief executive officer.

Future homeowners are required to perform "sweat equity"—or help on other home rehabiliations—in addition to a small down payment.

The debts have no interest and the mortgage is for 30 years, with the payments based on income.

“Our model helps recipients 'help themselves' with our hand up, not a handout structure,” Marine says. 

Temecula-based Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley also recently introduced a new program called "A Brush with Kindness," which provides assistance with home repairs and maintenance to existing homeowners.

Normal projects include primarily exterior repairs such as painting, trash removal, landscaping and minor repairs.

This also helps to beautify neighborhoods.

The affiliate plans to roll out a Critical Home Repairs program later this year that will focus on more significant repairs. Homeowners who are under 80 percent of the area median income with a need may qualify for help by calling 951-296-3362.

For information regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, A Brush with Kindness or Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, click here.