Habitat building 15th house at 305 McOmber

Published 7:07 am Tuesday, August 14, 2007

By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Cass County Habitat for Humanity plans on building another house in Dowagiac in 2008.
Thanks to Dowagiac City Council action Aug. 13, it now knows where – 305 McOmber St.
The council approved selling that parcel to the Christian housing ministry for $1.
Building Inspector James Bradford identified three vacant properties for possible Habitat projects, including the 66-foot by 132-foot lot on McOmber, a 150-foot by 193-foot lot at 103 Pokagon St. and a vacant 51-foot by 150-foot lot with garage at 211 Sherwood St.
"We can build on all three vacant lots, but our first choice is 305 McOmber St.," stated Ned B. Sutherland, past president.
Sutherland said Habitat for Humanity of Cass County has been an active affiliate in Dowagiac since May 1991.
Hundreds of volunteers contributed to construction of 14 houses and three rehabs.
Through Habitat, a family can buy a home with a small down payment and a 15- to 20-year, interest-free mortgage.
"This presents the opportunity for someone who has never owned a home to become a homeowner," Sutherland said. "Our houses run about 1,100 to 1,200 square feet. Building costs have really gone up. I estimate between $65,000 to $70,000 to build a house for a person or a family. It isn't a free house. They have to pay what the actual cost is."
"We're very supportive of your organization," Mayor Donald D. Lyons told Sutherland. "We think you do a great job in the community, and anything we can do to help you out with your difficult task, we're all for. Your organization is a great benefit to the City of Dowagiac."
In answer to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Wayne D. Comstock, Sutherland said families commit 500 "sweat equity" hours. "We're one of the old ones that still require 500 hours. Benton Harbor only requires 200. We think it's important to put the time in."