Nevada County Housing Trust Fund approves Habitat for Humanity's Ventana Sierra project

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss significant developments in affordable housing, particularly the Montana Sierra project in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for low-income housing in the region, a topic that has garnered increasing attention amid rising housing demands.

Tyler Barrington, Interim Director of Housing and Community Services, opened the meeting by acknowledging the contributions of his team and the fiscal staff involved in the project. He introduced Angela Mascar, Senior Administrative Analyst, who presented details about the Montana Sierra project. This project is part of a broader effort facilitated by the Western Nevada County Regional Housing Trust Fund, established in 2020 to enhance funding opportunities for affordable housing development.

Mascar highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which involves contributions from Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Nevada County. The trust fund has successfully leveraged various funding sources, including state allocations and local funds, to support housing initiatives like the Cashin's Field affordable housing development and the Lone Oaks senior apartments.

Lorraine Larson from Habitat for Humanity elaborated on the Montana Sierra project, which will consist of four homes located near a local high school. Groundbreaking has already occurred, with two homes having building permits secured and construction underway. Larson emphasized the project's potential to provide permanent housing for approximately 16 to 20 residents, including families with children attending the nearby school.

The homes are designed to be modest, ranging from 800 to 1,350 square feet, ensuring affordability for low-income families. The goal is to keep mortgage payments at or below 30% of the homeowners' income, a critical factor in promoting sustainable homeownership. Larson noted that the total estimated cost of the project is between $1.2 million and $1.4 million, with rising material costs posing challenges.

The board members expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its importance in addressing the housing crisis in Nevada County. A motion to approve the project was unanimously passed, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing affordable housing options in the community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of local government and nonprofit organizations to tackle housing challenges in Nevada County. As the Montana Sierra project progresses, it represents a significant step toward providing stable housing for families in need, with the potential to positively impact the community for years to come. The board's approval marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for affordable housing solutions in the region.