Habitat for Humanity outlines rebuilding progress in Paradise: 54 homes completed and more planned

Habitat for Humanity representatives told the Paradise Town Council on Oct. 9 that local affiliate activity remains a key part of the town’s recovery, including completed housing, ongoing projects and community fundraising.

Director Colette Curtis introduced Habitat executive director Nicole Baitman and development manager Jenny Fails, who outlined the affiliate’s local history and recent work. Baitman said Habitat has built 54 homes to date in the area, with 14 donated lots and 28 purchased lots in the community; nine Habitat homes have been sold and four are pending sale. The affiliate reported six houses were completed in Chico after the Camp Fire (five went to Camp Fire survivors) and 14 have been built so far in Paradise, with three more houses planned at the Central Park project next year.

Baitman emphasized wildfire‑prepared design features and homeowner qualifications: applicants must demonstrate a need for affordable housing, participate in sweat equity and show capacity to pay the modest mortgage. She said qualifying income for a family of four is currently roughly $45,000–$72,000, and that Habitat accepts applications for upcoming projects. The presentation noted Habitat’s single annual fundraiser (Women Build) raised about $45,000 this year and cited strong volunteer and local‑business support.

Board member Tom Baker and other volunteers described local procurement efforts to buy materials from Paradise merchants and to involve local subcontractors, which staff said both supports the local economy and helps Habitat scale to a target of six to ten houses per year.

Councilors thanked Habitat for the update and for ongoing partnership with the town on recovery and wildfire preparedness.