Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012

Habitat for humanity extends its reach to Apex

Nonprofit to build 16 homes in Apex

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is focusing more on the southwestern side of the county and has plans to build 16 homes in Apex.

The project is part of Wake County’s efforts to ensure affordable housing is spread across the entire county,said Kevin Hart, director of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.

Building homes in Apex will also put more Habitat families near the Triangle Expressway, which provides an easy commute to jobs in the Research Triangle Park, Hart said.

Apex has always been a popular choice for Habitat homeowners, but the right opportunity to build didn’t crop up until recently, when the White Oak Foundation approached the nonprofit, Hart said. The faith-based foundation, which aims to create affordable housing, had some parcels of land available and asked if Habitat was interested in buying.

Wake County gave Habitat $448,000 to buy the land in the White Oak Villas development off Lynch Street between Second and Third streets.

Apex is the latest municipality to become the site of Habitat homes funded by Wake County. Earlier this year, the county paid $158,000 to help the group buy land in Morrisville, where there weren’t any Habitat homes.

Habitat has already approved three families in Apex for the one-story homes that will feature three or four bedrooms. The group is seeking more applicants, volunteers and corporate sponsors for the project, which is set to begin in February.

Income requirements vary depending on household size. For example, a family of four must have an income of at least $1,660 and no more than $3,995.

Applicants must also meet one of the following requirements: live in substandard housing, overcrowded spaces or an unsafe neighborhood, or spend more than 30 percent of gross income on housing or currently receive subsidized rent from a housing authority.

Preschool teacher LaTasha Cofield of Apex is hoping to qualify for one of the homes. As a single mother with two daughters and the burden of student loans, Cofield sees Habitat as a good path to homeownership.

Selected homeowners pay a $1,500 down payment and make no-interest mortgage payments.

Cofield’s cousin, who lives in a Habitat house in Raleigh, recommended the program to her.

“I have two small children. I think they deserve a yard to play in,” Cofield said. “I want to be a role model for my girls to show them that homeownership is important. Renting, it’s never going to be yours. When you own a home it’s proof of what you’ve done.”