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September 18, 2003
Kulshan Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity Announce Their Collaboration for Affordable Housing
(Bellingham)-Kulshan Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County announced today their plans to build new affordable homes together. Board presidents inked their names to an agreement that outlines a pilot project that draws on the best features of both organizations to create new affordable homes that will stay affordable forever.
Press availability: Call to schedule meeting at the location of possible collaboration:
15th and Harris Avenue, Fairhaven/Happy Valley Neighborhood in Bellingham
Both organizations share a common concern: affordable homeownership for local families whose incomes do not stretch far enough to buy a starter home in Whatcom County's increasingly expensive market. For both Habitat for Humanity and Kulshan CLT homebuyers, an initial, one-time boost from the community gives the family: years of secure and affordable homeownership, a chance to build equity and wealth, and a way to pass on an affordable home to a future income-eligible homebuyer.
"At Kulshan CLT, we're excited to be teaming up with Habitat for Humanity for this pilot project, and we have downpayment assistance ready to go as soon as they can find land to build on," said Kulshan CLT's executive director, Paul Schissler. Like its HomeBuyer Driven Program, Kulshan CLT will use a combination of private and public funds as a downpayment that keeps monthly housing costs affordable and keeps the home affordable forever. Kulshan CLT will use downpayment assistance from Washington Mutual and the Federal Home Loan Bank along with state Housing Trust Fund and the City of Bellingham's federal HOME funds.
"Washington Mutual is involved in supporting nonprofits such as the Kulshan CLT because we believe it's important to help build strong communities in the areas where we do business," said Mary Kay Wallace, Washington Mutual Assistant Vice President and Manager. "We are excited to be part of this innovative project. As far as we know, it's the first in the country."
"Building homes with a high percentage of donated labor and materials is a hallmark of our program," said Terry Mattson, local Habitat for Humanity for Humanity affiliate Executive Director. "But finding buildable lots we can afford to buy has been our biggest hindrance." Mattson reported that Habitat for Humanity is actively looking for lots in Bellingham, Everson and Lynden, and its new collaboration with Kulshan CLT will make purchasing land more feasible.
"We'd love for someone to give us a call right now with the perfect lot; our volunteers are eager to pound some nails," said Mattson.
Kulshan CLT and Habitat for Humanity have also agreed to combine their strengths in response to the City of Bellingham's Request for Proposals for City surplus property at 15th and Harris Avenue on Bellingham's Southside.
"We intend to propose small, quality homes that will be welcome, good neighbors," according to Schissler. "If the City gives us the opportunity, we'll get neighbors' input so we can make this something the neighborhood can be proud of." Using Kulshan CLT's ground lease with its shared equity/resale restrictions, the homes will remain affordable for all future buyers, and using Habitat for Humanity for Humanity's volunteer labor and donated materials, one or more of the homes could be Habitat-built, said Schissler.
"I see this as a great opportunity for collaboration," Mattson said. "Working together at 15th and Harris or at other locations around Whatcom County, we'll accomplish more than either of our organizations could do alone."
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Locally, they are building homes with volunteers and donated materials throughout Whatcom County. For more information on Habitat for Humanity, call 360.715.9170 or visit www.hfhwhatcom.org.
Kulshan CLT is a nonprofit membership organization, working for permanently affordable access to land and housing in Whatcom County. For more information on Kulshan CLT, call 360.671.5600 or visit www.kclt.org.
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