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Habitat for Humanity seeks county help to build 46 homes over four years
Summary
At the commission meeting Habitat for Humanity asked the county to provide $600,000 (or equivalent land and infrastructure) to create 10 buildable lots as part of a plan to build 46 affordable homes in Williamson County over four years; Lewis described income eligibility, homeowner obligations and measures to keep houses affordable.
Steve Lewis of Habitat for Humanity told commissioners the nonprofit is launching an expanded affordable-housing initiative in Williamson County and asked for county support to create lots for future homes.
Lewis said Habitat aims to build 46 homes over the next four years and is requesting $600,000 in funding (or the equivalent in land and infrastructure) to produce 10 buildable lots. "We're trying to build 46 houses over the next, 4 years," Lewis said. He described program rules: families generally earn between $20,000 and $40,000 annually, must contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" (300 hours on other houses, 100 on their own), attend financial-education classes and repay mortgages interest-free over 25 years.
To preserve long-term affordability in Williamson County's housing market, Lewis said Habitat places a silent second mortgage and holds a first right of refusal so homes stay in the affordable inventory rather than being flipped for profit. Lewis also provided tax-impact estimates, saying existing Habitat homes generate roughly $1,000,000 per year in property tax revenue and that new homes will add additional local economic activity over 25 years.
Commissioners asked for locations and Lewis replied that some lots were identified (Natchez Street, Spring Hill parcels, West End Circle, and possible Fairview property) but said additional lots were under active search. The commission did not vote on a funding commitment at the meeting; the presentation was received and the request will be available for committee and budget consideration.
The organization provided a brochure and asked commissioners to consider land or infrastructure contributions equivalent to the requested funding to jump-start a 30-home phase and long-term program expansion.
