Bowling Green Habitat for Humanity builds 44 energy-efficient houses
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Habitat for Humanity has partnered with other organizations to create a mixed-income, mixed-use, green, affordable housing community as a local and statewide demonstration known as Durbin Estates. This development is located between W. 12th Ave. and Glen Lily Road and is within Census Tract 112.
When the development is completed, it will comprise 44 single and multi-family, high energy efficiency housing units, a community center, walking trails, and shared green space. The site is located in the mixed-ethnicity, lower-income neighborhood.
Each qualified low and moderate income homebuyer will participate in home ownership and budgeting classes, and they will complete 350 hours of “sweat” equity on their home and the homes of other partner homebuyers. In return, they will receive a 0 percent interest, affordable mortgage on their home. At the time of closing, the homebuyer’s payment (principal, taxes and insurance) will not exceed 30 percent of their gross monthly income, according to a release from Habitat for Humanity.
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Rodney Goodman has served with the organization for 12 years now, and he said watching families break the cycle of poverty is what keeps him out here building homes in 100 degree heat.
“The best feels, it’s definitely not construction and 95° heat. It’s when you see the kids down the road getting their diplomas, breaking out of poverty, and starting a new life for themselves,” said Goodman.
Goodman said he’s seen volunteers from all over come to help pitch in including the Bowling Green Fire Department and Police Department. He says these 44 Durbin Estates homes will add nearly $70,000 a year to the tax base of Bowling Green & Warren County.
Goodman says people should never mistake their hand up homes as handouts. He says they work to build their house, and their house payments go toward helping other houses be built.
To volunteer to help out, head over to Habitat for Humanity’s website.
