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Habitat for Humanity affiliate pitches partnership with Twentynine Palms on homebuilding and repairs
Summary
Habitat for Humanity's regional affiliate presented to the council about its homebuilding and home-repair work, saying it builds one to two houses a year in the region, performs repairs for low-income homeowners and seeks partnerships with the city on housing and repair services.
Representatives from the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin presented to the Twentynine Palms City Council on March 4 to explain the organization's local activities and explore possible partnerships.
Tracy Tremblay, regional president, and Dave Thornton, the affiliate's executive director, told the council the small affiliate builds about one to two houses a year and runs a 'ReStore' thrift/resale operation that covers operating costs. The affiliate also performs home-repair and restoration services for low-income homeowners and seniors, using a mix of volunteers, donated materials and paid contractors when specialized trades are required.
Thornton described several repair examples: replacing awnings, roofs and fences, clearing debris and rehabbing mobile-home stairs; the organization said it mobilizes corporate volunteer days and partners with local groups including the 29 Palms Marine base, Rotarians and local real estate firms. The affiliate reported it aims in 2025 to build two houses and expand repair services regionally.
On financing and sales, presenters said a typical new build costs about $375,000; when Habitat sells a house it records the appraised value as the sales price but structures financing so the buyer's monthly payment is affordable. Habitat uses "silent second" deeds and long-term covenants when partner funding requires maintaining affordability. Presenters also said they require homebuyers to qualify for a traditional mortgage, provide a modest down payment (presenters cited a $1,000 example) and contribute sweat equity (the affiliate requires volunteer hours, presented as around 200 hours). The affiliate also works with county offices on property-tax assessments to help keep carrying costs affordable for buyers.
Council members responded positively; several said the program could help local seniors and households on fixed incomes remain in or access housing. Council asked about the applicant selection and site acquisition process; presenters said builds typically involve donated or partner-provided infill lots and that they screen applicants for mortgage qualification and need before listing.
Why it matters: Twentynine Palms has a population with notable numbers of seniors and households on fixed incomes. Habitat's mix of small-scale building and repair services could help preserve housing stock for vulnerable residents and provide a partner for limited new affordable-home production.
What's next: Habitat representatives said they will continue discussions with the city manager and staff to assess site options, potential partnerships and funding. Councilmembers expressed interest in pursuing pilots or targeted repair programs.
