Habitat For Humanity Breaks Ground On New Homes

Habitat for Humanity partnered with the city of Indio and other local organizations to build three new homes in Downtown Indio on Bliss and King streets in the Coachella Valley.

Alma Gonsales and her family were chosen to live in one of the three new homes, and Gonsales says the process took more than a year but it was worth it.

“It was a little tense ’cause we were waiting for answers and to see if we were approved or not, and it was just smooth; everything was great,” said Gonsales.

Habitat from Humanity was able to start the project with help from the City of Indio Redevelopment Agency and Home Depot, but the families still have to do their share. Each family will give $750 as a down payment and must also help with 200 hours of service to Habitat for Humanity as part of the deal.

Patrick Swarthout is the president of Habitat for Humanity and said the 30-year note the organization offers is a very simple one.

“The individual homes cost us about $145,000, and that’s what we sell them for; we are the bank as well. We don’t charge interest; they pay taxes, insurance and their payment,” said Swarthout.

City officials came together with the community and said they are excited for what this project means for the Coachella Valley.

“There are so many families out there with this economy that need a home — need some of the basics — so they’re reaching out trying to find these kinds of opportunities,” said City Councilwoman Elaine Holmes.

Swarthout said the first home will be 90 percent complete Sept. 21 and volunteers will help complete the home that day; the following two homes should be ready to occupy by December. Habitat for Humanity doesn’t want to stop there, Swarthout said: “This year we should finish five houses, and we’re working on seven for next year, so we’re really trying to ‘up the stakes’ here, locally, in the desert.”