By: Maria Williams
Housing is a human right, not a privilege. While many people recognize the candor of this statement, the truth is— many struggle to find housing that is affordable, accessible, and in decent condition. To bridge this evident gap in society, Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to providing each family and individual with equitable living conditions, constructs simple, decent homes through volunteer labor and donations. Recently, Fox Valley, Habitat for Humanity’s affiliate based in Illinois, announced the construction of 17 new homes in the city of Aurora, a project called Green Freedom fueled by the volunteers’ passion, donors’ commitment, and prospective owners’ hard work.
The development will offer low- to moderate-income families or individuals a unique chance to participate in a hand-up – not a hand-out – process and become homeowners. In other words, each family contributes labor, called “sweat equity,” to the construction of the neighborhood, including their future forever home. Not only does that decrease the cost of the house—it exponentially increases a sense of pride in ownership.
When asked about the inspiration behind the project, Jeffrey Barret, Fox Valley’s Executive Director, says, “It all started with one question: How do we build not only affordable housing but affordable living for our homeowners? The families who work with us are Fox Valley’s legacy, and they deserve decent living conditions and having a place they can call home without compromising their finances.”
To ensure affordability, Fox Valley implemented several measures that help families with the cost of not only purchasing but maintaining utilities long-term. Sweat equity, a system that requires families to contribute their time and effort, enables prospective homeowners to reduce the cost of the house and decrease mortgage rates while building a tight-knit community in the process. Depending on one’s situation, individuals and families are required to work between 350 and 500 hours, helping Fox Valley build the neighborhood. Working side by side with donors and volunteers – community, dignity, and respect are built.
In a bold step toward sustainability and affordability, Fox Valley has fostered meaningful partnerships that help make the houses energy-efficient. From collaborating with an eco-conscious gas firm to teaming up with an organization producing carbon-neutral concrete, Fox Valley remains dedicated to implementing sustainability into every design.
That second partnership is especially crucial since Fox Valley utilizes insulated concrete forms in the construction. The concrete is constructed in a way that keeps the home stable and sustainable. Additionally, high-quality windows stop air penetration from the outside, ensuring homes remain warm in the wintertime and pleasantly cool in the summer.
Creating net zero homes was a goal Fox Valley had strived to reach since the development began over two years ago. To achieve that, the nonprofit uses more natural materials, low-flow pipes and faucets, tankless water heaters, carbon-neutral concrete, solar energy with battery backup, and Smart appliances.
With hundreds of applications, Fox Valley meticulously chooses the families and individuals in the dire need who meet the requirements. Each applicant’s salary must fall between 30 and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is around $109,000. Always keeping at heart the central principle of a ”hand-up,” not a “hand-out,” homeowner families receive a zero percent mortgage, paying 30% of their income. “In Fox Valley, all families must live or work in the region, and – importantly – must be willing to build and become active members of the community,” says Jeff.
The development process is divided into three phases, spanning three years. In August, the foundations for the first stage will be laid. After that, Fox Valley, future owners, donors, and volunteers will build five houses over the next year. In the second and third years, the nonprofit plans on creating twelve more homes, six per annum. Aurora’s Mayor, Richard Irvin, endorsed the project at the State of the City Address in March 2023.
With the backing of the City, Nicor Gas, and other donors and partners, the Habitat Green Freedom community is on its way. But more funding is needed, and exciting opportunities exist for donors to be involved in the first affordable Green Neighborhood in the country. “Companies and individuals investing in the neighborhood have an opportunity to show the world that Green Freedom living is doable and affordable,” said Jeff. More than financial investors, Fox Valley is hoping to attract volunteers willing to visit the construction site and contribute their strength and time.
“If I didn’t help these families, I would be taking things for granted,” Jeffrey adds. “It’s not us who bless them. These families bless us with their stories, happiness, and gratitude, and I’m just grateful I get to witness their lives change.”
Published by: Nelly Chavez
