Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland is seeking two partner families for homeownership in South Portland. The first step of the application process will begin in mid-June with information sessions for prospective partner families. 

“It’s always exciting to begin the search for future Habitat homeowners, but it’s even more special when it’s in a community that has such great need,” said Executive Director, Tara Hill. “Homes in South Portland have become extremely desirable and therefore unaffordable to working class Mainers. We are very pleased to be building eight new homes in a small subdivision off Sunset Avenue over the next couple of years.”

Partner families will be selected based on:

  • their ability to pay a low interest mortgage that does not exceed 30% of their gross monthly income.
  • their need for affordable housing. This could mean they are currently living in a situation that is overcrowded, in disrepair, or unaffordable based on their income.
  • their willingness to partner with Habitat by completing 275 hours of “sweat equity” building their home, taking homeownership classes, and volunteering in the community.

Anyone interested in learning more can reach out to Molly Brake, Director of Family Services via email ([email protected]) or through an online interest form (habitatportlandme.org/homeownership).

It takes three to four months to complete the selection process and another six to nine months to build the home from the ground up. “It’s not a quick process,” says Hill, “but it is well worth the wait for the families whose lives will be changed by becoming homeowners.”

It’s not a quick process, but it is well worth the wait for the families whose lives will be changed by becoming homeowners.

Construction of this eight-home neighborhood on Sunset Avenue is expected to begin this summer. All homes are designated for households earning less than 65% of the Greater Portland Metro Annual Median Income as determined by HUD. Homeowners for the remaining six homes will be selected closer to when they will be built. Funding for this project is being provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was allocated by Cumberland County, thanks to their prioritization of affordable housing.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland builds and repairs homes for low-income homeowners across Cumberland County. Since 1985, the organization has built 91 homes and is currently in the process of building three single-family homes in Freeport. Launched in late 2019, the Critical Home Repair has provided 45 affordable home repairs to low-income families to make their homes warmer, safer, and drier.