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City awards $240,656 PLHA grant to Habitat for Humanity Calaveras amid questions about local preference
Summary
Council voted to award $240,656 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation funds to Habitat for Humanity Calaveras for owner-occupied housing. Residents asked whether the homes will prioritize local applicants; Habitat staff said equal housing law limits ZIP-code-only preferences but most interested applicants are local and selection criteria include mortgage ability, partnership work and demonstrated local need.
The Angels Camp City Council approved a $240,656 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) grant to Habitat for Humanity Calaveras on Dec. 2 to support development of ownership housing.
Staff summarized the open request and said one proposal was submitted from Habitat for Humanity Calaveras. Mark Gatte, executive director of Habitat, attended the meeting and Morgan (project lead) described site readiness and development progress—site grading, underground utilities, stormwater basins and street work were reported as largely completed.
Multiple public speakers asked whether the program would ensure priority for local residents. Morgan said the organization must comply with federal and state fair-housing laws and therefore cannot restrict applications purely by ZIP code, but explained Habitat’s three-part qualification: the applicant must be eligible for an affordable mortgage, willing to partner with Habitat (including contributing labor and education classes), and demonstrate need. Morgan said most interest in the current project has come from Calaveras County residents.
Council members asked about construction standards, underground utilities and use of local contractors; Habitat staff said much underground work and some contractors are local and that the project retains local preference where procurement rules allow it.
Why it matters: The PLHA award supports development of workforce and entry-level ownership housing in a region that council and residents described as experiencing housing stress. Residents’ concerns about local residency, contractor use and long-term affordability were raised and addressed.
Next steps: Staff will finalize grant agreement language and proceed with the Habitat contract; Habitat said it is ready to build and will continue project outreach and construction.
