Pacoima : Habitat for Humanity Readies Lot for Homes

Habitat for Humanity volunteers today will begin cleaning up a large lot where 11 single-family homes will be built next year under the direction of the nationwide Christian organization whose best-known volunteer is ex-President Jimmy Carter.

The San Fernando-Santa Clarita Valleys chapter of Habitat for Humanity, based in North Hollywood, has entered escrow on the Pacoima property, and officials are optimistic that problems that canceled a Habitat project in Mission Hills last year will not be repeated.

The Habitat chapter planned to build 10 townhouses in Mission Hills but neighbors objected, saying they feared that the project for low-income families would depress property values in the area, said Helena Delu, assistant operations manager for the chapter.

“It would have had just the opposite effect actually, but we decided not to enter escrow because of lack of community support,” she said.

Pete Boron, president of the Valley chapter’s board, said that community support is strong for constructing new homes in Pacoima on a deep lot at 12822 Filmore St., which extends to Judd Street.

The homes, which will sell for $50,000 to $60,000 with no interest charged over the life of a 20-year loan, require the families selected to own them to contribute a minimum of 500 hours of labor to build the residences, Delu said.

“The families are selected on the basis of need and the ability to pay, among others,” Delu said.

Although Habitat for Humanity draws much of its support from member church congregations, it is open to people of all faiths, officials said.

The first cleanup today, open to all willing to help, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., including lunch.