Habitat plans $1.1 million low-income housing project

The construction of an ambitious 18-unit, low-income housing development in Kitsap County moved one step closer to reality this week, as Habitat for Humanity received plat approval for the project.

The facility will cost an estimated $1.1 million to construct and will be built on a West Bremerton site, a two-acre parcel on the north side of Arsenal Way near the intersection with Marion Street.

The 18 homes will range in size from two to five bedrooms, and will be situated in a horseshoe shape around a common recreation area.

The homes are all single-story and designed to be affordable to low-income residents.

The construction of the project, dubbed “New Hope,” represents a true community effort. Habitat is turning to civic groups, churches, professional groups and individuals to raise the $55,000 needed to construct each home.

More importantly, the construction of the homes is accomplished purely by volunteer labor. Beginning this fall, more than 6,000 community members will be recruited to spend a few days a month working on the construction.

People of all construction skill levels will be sought.

Many of those building the homes will be candidates for future Habitat projects.

The organization requires candidates to complete 500 hours of “sweat equity” before a home can be built for them.

For more information or to schedule a Habitat presentation, call (360) 479-3853

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