Locations

Grassy Creek Subdivision, Kamas, Utah
North Bench Farms Subdivision, Oakley, Utah
Prairie View Subdivision, Kamas, Utah

Overview

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Program is a USDA/Rural Development program sponsored by Mountainlands Community Housing Trust (MCHT). The program helps low-income participants achieve the dream of homeownership through "sweat equity." Six to ten participants work together as a group under the supervision of a construction supervisor to build approximately 65% of their homes. The program takes about 10 to 11 months and the participants complete their homes simultaneously; no one moves in until all the homes in the group are completed. The labor acts as the down payment, and reduces the price of the home by approximately 20%.

40 Units in Three Years

Phases I and II of the Mutual Self-Help Program have been completed in Kamas, Utah. Phase I was completed in the Grassy Creek Subdivision in summer 2003 and consisted of seven 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage single-family homes. Phase II ended September 2004 and consisted of eight 3 and 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage single-family homes.

Phases III and IV of the Mutual Self-Help Program are in Oakley, Utah. Phase III ended May 2005 and consisted of five 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage single-family homes. Phase ended June 2006, consisting of eight homes.

Phase V of the Mutual Self-Help Program are also in Oakley, Utah. Phase V ended August 2007, consisting of 12 homes.

MCHT is recruiting participants for Phase VI in Kamas' new Prairie View Subdivision.

Financial Support

USDA Rural Development: 502 direct leverage loans for buyers
Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund closing costs

How to Participate

To participate in the Mutual Self-Help program you must be willing to set aside your spare time for approximately 10 to 11 months. Participants are required to contribute a minimum of 30 hours per week. Family and friends that are willing to work on the participant’s behalf can contribute up to 15 hours per week.

There is no cost to participate in the program. The only up-front money required is what is necessary to purchase a Builders Risk Policy to insure your home and materials while under construction. You will also need to purchase a tool belt and construction hand tools.

Qualified families are eligible to receive a reduced interest rate that will keep monthly mortgage payments affordable. Eligible applicants are those who do not currently own a home, meet USDA Rural Development requirements: including good credit, allowable debts and whose income does not exceed 60% of the area median income, which is $58,000 for a family of four in Summit County.

Recruiting for Phase VI commenes October 8, 2007. Construction on 10 lots in Prairie View Subdivision in Kamas will commence March 2008.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, or if you or a group would like to volunteer in our Mutual Self-Help Program by helping our participants build their homes, please contact Veronica Saenz at 435-647-9719, ext. 13.

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