Habitat to build houses in O.C. for those who sacrificed for homeland

On the observance of Veterans Day, Habitat for Humanity announced it will sell homes in southern Orange County to wounded service members and families of those who have been killed in action.

The nonprofit organization has built 120 homes in the county for low-income families since 1988, but has never targeted veterans with combat-related injuries and their families.

“This is a segment of the community that sometimes gets overlooked,” said Sharon Ellis, Habitat’s Orange County director. “But it makes so much sense, and it touches the hearts of people.”

The group will build 27 homes in San Juan Capistrano on land donated by the city’s redevelopment agency. Habitat officials said the two- to four-bedroom townhomes will sell for about $200,000. Most beneficiaries of the pilot program will come from Camp Pendleton, which has suffered about 10% of the Iraq war’s casualties, more than any base in the country.

“This means so much for families of young Marines and sailors who often don’t see much benefit to staying in Southern California,” said Marine Col. James B. Seaton III, stationed at Camp Pendleton. “The cost of living here is so high, they can’t afford to stay after their loved ones are gone. Often, that means leaving a good job, uprooting their families and taking kids out of school. This gives them another option.”

Military families will be chosen for the program based on their income. A family of four must make 40% to 80% of Orange County’s median income, or between $35,000 and $65,000.

Qualified families will pay a 1% down payment, closing costs and receive a zero-interest mortgage, but they will be asked to contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” to the construction of their home and attend classes to learn budgeting and home maintenance.

Those physically unable to help build their home will be offered a chance to work in the local Habitat offices.

The program is the brainchild of San Juan Capistrano City Councilman Wyatt T. Hart, a Marine veteran of the Korean War. “It’s a common-sense thing that no one has really thought about,” he said. “Why would you overlook those who need housing the most, those who sacrificed for our country?”

The homes will be built on a 2.7-acre lot on Calle Rolando. Officials said construction will begin once $7 million in building costs can be raised. The homes will be built specifically to each veteran’s disability.

“By building to their disability, we’re offering them a chance to keep their dignity and make them feel welcomed,” Ellis said.

davemckibben@latimes.com