Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Program receives $7.3 million from federal government

Published 2:26 pm Friday, June 24, 2011

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced last week that about $7.3 million has been awarded to Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Program with Community Frameworks, Inc., according to a statement. Community Frameworks is a nonprofit housing developer with offices in Bremerton and Spokane.

With the money, the organization plans to create at least 393 self-help housing units for low-income individuals and families in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Throughout the past five years, Community Frameworks has helped its affiliates build 922 houses including 458 in Washington state that are all currently occupied.

All new units will receive certification as an Energy STAR-qualified home and will be sold to low-income homebuyers who have contributed at least 100 hours — 50 hours for single buyers — of sweat equity toward the construction of their home.