PrintApr. 22--For now, wet grass is all there is to be found on the empty lot at 92-94 N. Fifth St. in Gettysburg.
But when construction on Adams County Habitat for Humanity's latest project is complete, the grass will be replaced with a duplex house for two families.
Who will live there, however, has yet to be determined.
Despite the housing market's current slump, Habitat officials say they are far from being bombarded by applications from potential buyers.
"It's interesting that we have a hard time getting families," said Bill Tyson, one of the local Habitat chapter's vice presidents. "A lot of people will qualify, but they don't think they would."
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds houses and finances mortgages for low-income families, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In Adams County, where a four-person family qualifies as low income if annual earnings are $46,200 or less, the local chapter has done that for families nearly 30 times.
But the perception that Habitat "gives away" homes still lingers as a popular perception, Tyson said. And that stigma might be what deters families from applying, he said.
"It's not a handout," Tyson said. "It's a hand up."
That's because, while Habitat volunteers provide most of the labor to build a home, "partner" families are required to contribute many hours of their own -- called "sweat equity" -- toward construction.
Then, the family pays for the house with a zero-interest mortgage, something that makes home ownership possible for low-income families, Tyson said.
On average, the mortgage for a Habitat home in Adams County costs about $90,000 -- though that does not include insurance costs or taxes, officials said.
The property on Fifth Street cost Habitat a little bit more than most other projects in Adams County, so the mortgage there could be closer to $100,000, officials said.
"It's sold at cost," said John Van Meerbeke, the president of Habitat's Adams County chapter.
When it is built, each side of the two-story duplex on Fifth Street will have three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms.
Eligible buyers are employed, pass background checks and have good credit history.
Regardless of how long it takes to find a client, construction will begin on the duplex in about a month. A "blitz build" -- during which several dozen volunteers work to establish the building's frame -- is scheduled for May 29 and 30, and June 5 and 6.
Officials are looking for volunteers to help then and throughout construction.
Adams County Habitat for Humanity is also always looking for properties to build on. Land donations are welcome.
"Anyone that wants to be part of the process, there's no shortage of ways," Van Meerbeke said.
TO APPLY:
--What: Qualified families can now apply for consideration through the Adams County Habitat for Humanity to purchase one of the two three-bedroom houses to be built in Gettysburg.
--Contact: Interested persons should call 717-334-5557.
HOW TO HELP:
--What: Dozens of volunteers will work on a "blitz build" at the latest Adams County Habitat for Humanity house in Gettysburg. Additional volunteers are welcome.
--When: May 29 and 30 and June 5 and 6.
--Where: 92-94 N. Fifth St. in Gettysburg
Contact: Volunteers should call 717-334-5557.
To see more of The Evening Sun, Hanover, Pa.,or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.eveningsun.com Copyright (c) 2009, The Evening Sun, Hanover, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com , call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
