Habitat for Humanity unveils affordable housing in Phoenix

Kymberly Campos used to crash on an air mattress in her parents’ living room. She had tried to rent a place, but it was getting too expensive.

She never thought she would become a homeowner.

“When I started at the company I was in, (I thought) I couldn’t own a house at the rate of pay I make,” Campos said. “Finding a habitat (for humanity) and knowing that they are working with low-income households was incredible.”

Campos became a third-generation Habitat owner last year, building her own home and those of her neighbors in Glendale.

“It’s wonderful to walk into your room and say, ‘Hey, I helped build this wall, I put all the nails in this wall, I painted it,'” he said. she declared.

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona has helped build more than a thousand homes in and around the Valley, making home ownership more affordable.

“A lot of people will pay 50 percent or more of their rent here in Phoenix,” said Jason Barlow, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona. “Our average mortgage payment is less than the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment.”

On Wednesday, Habitat for Humanity unveiled its newest development in South Phoenix, which will house 25 families. The neighborhood, expected to be completed in 2025, is part of Maricopa County’s efforts to expand affordable housing options.

The neighborhood at the corner of Alta Vista Road and 13^th Construction of Place in Phoenix is expected to cost $8.9 million. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors awarded $2.56 million in May 2022 to Habitat for Humanity, which has been dedicated to building the Alta neighborhood Vista Ranch. The rest of the funding will come from other sources, such as donations and sponsors, according to a county spokesperson.

A Habitat house is literally built with sweat. Individuals eligible for homeownership commit 400 volunteer or “sweat equity” hours.

“Getting on the roof and putting shingles on it is hard work, and it really makes you love your home,” Campos said.

Habitat for Humanity trains homeowners to build homes, providing essential construction training. Trained homeowners, along with neighbors, volunteers, sponsors and families, come together to build these homes.

“My parents came and painted the walls, put a few nails here and there and helped pick up rocks from around the field,” Campos said.

Each Habitat home takes approximately 20 to 24 weeks to build, according to Barlow. Campos said she spent six months building her house.

Habitat for Humanity sells the homes to those whose household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income, who can afford the mortgage and who can complete 400 hours of “equity” volunteering. The interest-free mortgage is typically less than $1,200, Barlow said.

“We don’t give away our homes,” he said. “Our families work for them, and then they buy from us at an affordable mortgage rate…We are the bank, not just the construction company.”

Between Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix, the state of Arizona supports more than 100 affordable housing developments through Habitat for Humanity.

With every new home and neighborhood, Maricopa County leaders hope homeownership will be part of people’s futures.

“You continue to see the need for housing throughout the valley, with housing prices skyrocketing, some of these families, it’s not even in their future,” said Steve Gallardo, county board of supervisors of Maricopa, District Five. “We give them the chance to have a place to call home. »

According to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, the city of Phoenix has a goal of building 50,000 affordable housing units by 2030 and “we’re ahead of schedule,” she said.

“Habitat is a force multiplier for us,” Gallego said. “We want to make sure everyone has a nice place to live.” »

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has funded 14 affordable housing projects in 2024, adding 1,472 units upon completion.

Where to get help paying rent in Maricopa County: Arizona Troubled Tenant Assistance is available. Here’s where to find it.