Workshop for Habitat For Humanity Homeowner Hopefuls
Four Cleo Avenue homes will be built for families that qualify.
Pdfs
In a neighborhood off De Anza Boulevard where the value of some homes top the million-dollar mark, four low-income families will soon own their own homes on Cleo Avenue, thanks to Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley.
The organization that helps low-income families build and buy new homes has a workshop scheduled Thursday from 5:45-7 p.m. at City Hall for those interested in learning more about the application process and how they may be able to qualify for one of these homes.
"Right now, we just want to get everybody who's interested in," said Adrian Lopez, homeowner relations manager for Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley. "It allows residents of Santa Clara County and Cupertino to get to know our program, understand what our requirements are and our project in Cupertino."
The application process is extensive, and families undergo an in-depth financial review to determine a responsible credit history and ensure they have a debt-to-income level below 40 percent. Also, Habitat's homeowners are required to help build their own home, so they must also be willing and able to perform 500 hours of sweat equity.
The four Cleo Avenue houses will be about 922 square feet with two bedrooms and one bath.
Corporations and other charity groups are often called upon to help finance and construct Habitat homes, Lopez said. The Cupertino project will be no exception. One home will be part of the All Faith House program, which is supported by various faith organizations in Santa Clara County, such as churches, a Buddhist center and a Muslim society group.
"These groups will help plan, develop, fund and actually build one house out of the four houses that we're going to build in Cupertino," said Don Varney, faith relations manager for Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley. "We call it a joint effort of the diverse faith communities."
Groundbreaking on the homes is expected to begin this spring, Varney said.
More information on how to donate or volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley can be found on the organization's Web site at: habitatsiliconvalley.org.
