Concord to advance Habitat for Humanity home project at 365 Lincoln St. SW

Concord officials presented a development agreement with Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County to build a three-bedroom, two-bath home at 365 Lincoln Street SW, a project staff said will use HOME-program funds and volunteer labor to keep construction costs low.

Mary Carr, community development manager, told the council the city will act as the seller and oversee construction while Habitat will act as the developer and builder. “They are familiar with the federal regulations that are required with the HOME program,” Carr said. She estimated the home’s construction cost at $207,000 and said the property will be covered by a 20-year deed restriction to preserve affordability.

Council members asked how program income and mortgage arrangements will be handled. Carr said the city will use HOME funds to construct the house and that repayments will return as program income. When asked whether the owner will carry a mortgage under Habitat’s model, staff clarified that Concord will be the seller and hold the deed restriction while Habitat performs development roles.

The presentation noted that Habitat has identified a potential buyer who must meet the program’s income-eligibility and approval requirements. Carr also emphasized that volunteer labor is expected to reduce construction costs and allow the program to continue despite a vacant staff position in the city’s housing program.

No formal vote on this item appears in the record of this meeting; the item was presented and council members questioned staff about program details and eligibility. The council did not record a final action during the segment reviewed; next steps would be council consideration of the agreement at a future agenda if action is required.