FREEPORT – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland is gearing up to begin work on three homes on West Street in Freeport, and the organization is now looking for families to fill them.
The development is the second one in Freeport for Habitat for Humanity, as the organization completed the construction of three units on South Street last year.
Steve Bolton, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, said the construction has begun on an access road, with an eye on beginning work on the first of the units this winter.
Bolton said that Habitat for Humanity already has one family in place for the project, and is now looking for two more individuals or families to fill the units in the new subdivision. The families must meet certain criteria to qualify for the homes.
“We work with families who are considered low income in the area,” Bolton said.
The organization has an eligibility guideline that families earn 60 percent or less of the median income in Cumberland County. According to the U.S. Census, the county’s median income in 2010, the most recent year available, is $55,658.
In addition to meeting the income guidelines, Bolton said, interested families also have to be willing to work for Habitat for Humanity. He said families must commit to working 250 hours per parent on other Habitat projects or in the organization’s Restore shop before work begins on their home. Once construction begins on their unit, families must commit to 500 hours of work on that unit.
“They have to be willing to be a partner with us and help build their home,” he said.
Those who would like additional project and program information, including an application, can call 772-2151. applications are due no later than Jan. 21, 2013.
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