Mutual Self-Help Program |
Building Homes
Building Dreams
This program is giving new hope and creating self-esteem for families who just haven't gotten a break before now.
The first self-help build from the 1965. This great program has been helping people attain homeownership for nearly 50 years.
What are the benefits?
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Your interest rate, based on your income can be as low as 1 percent.
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You will have the investment and tax benefits of home ownership.
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You will have affordable house payments.
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You will finish the project with significant sweat equity value in a highly energy-efficient new home.
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You will acquire the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful and responsible homeowner.
- When construction is complete on ALL of the houses, each family will move into their new home at the same time.
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in
The Mutual Self-Help
Housing Project
and feel you are qualified,
please call (406) 761-5861
or send email to info@nwgf.org.
In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (Voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. |
The Mutual Self-Help Program is a partnership with NeighborWorks and USDA Rural Development. Qualified buyers earn instant equity costs by working with a group of other families to help build their own homes. Their labor is called “sweat equity” and it can make homes affordable. Hard work is the key to this project, along with a desire to work together to build our community and new homes. The group commits to building their own homes, and embarks on a guided development that turns the dream into reality.
How the program works
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Prospective homeowners apply to Neighborworks Great Falls to become a part of the program.
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Mutual Self-Help program staff and the USDA Rural Development staff will review your application to see if you qualify. When your application is approved, you and nine other families will begin working together as a group.
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Successful applicants are required to attend homebuyer education and receive credit awareness training. If credit repair is necessary, they will receive that help for free from NWGF.
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NWGF will provide all construction supervision and building-trades training for the families.
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Once selected, families are expected to attend all mandatory family meetings and training session.
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Your household will be expected to work a minimum of 32 hours a week, for as long as 12 months or until all homes are completed, on the construction site. The head of the household must put in at least 17 hours a week while the remaining hours can come from outside family members, friends of the family, and community members or organizations willing to help the family.
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Everyone chooses a home design from a selection at NWGF. All designs have been approved for use in the Mutual Self Help program and can be altered to be, or are already, handicapped-adaptable. The adaptations are on a family-by-family basis as dictated by need. There is no cost for altering prospective owner/builder house plans.
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However, except for handicapped accessibilty and family size, individual family plans cannot be altered without the express permission from Rural Development. Permission is RARELY given for any floor-plan modifications, even if it would result in cheaper costs for the one home.
What does it take to qualify?
A family’s income can be no greater than 80 percent of area median income to qualify, per annual gross income guidelines for Cascade County.
Family Size |
Maximum Income |
1 |
$31,750 |
2 |
$36,250 |
3 |
$40,800 |
4 |
$45,300 |
5 |
$48,950 |
6 |
$52,550 |
7 |
$56,200 |
8 |
$59,800 |
Income guidelines - As of February 2012
Some deductions from income are allowed to meet the maximum income guidelines.
Each applicant must have dependable income, and submit a copy of their most recent tax return. A favorable or curable credit history is required and a credit report will be obtained for each applicant.
In addition, the borrower is required to have a low enough debt load to allow payment of mortgage, along with other current debts. Your monthly housing allowance (loan payment, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be between 29 to 33 percent of monthly gross income, with total allowable debt, including house payment, car payments, and other loans and credit card payments not to exceed 41 percent of gross income.
All applicants must attend the Homebuyer Education courses offered by NeighborWorks Great Falls. Please call to schedule all required classes, once selected for the program. |
