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Arizona families receive housing relief

Housing Project Highlight

Where: All areas of rural south Yuma County, Arizona

Problem: A majority of the area’s older homes are in dire need of repair and rehabilitation that low- and very-low income families cannot afford

Solution: Innovative housing rehabilitation activities using the self-help housing model

Campesinos Sin Fronteras (CSF), located in Somerton, Arizona, is a community-based organization with a focus on health, housing and social service activities. For the past nine years, CSF has dedicated time and resources to addressing the deplorable living conditions of very-low and low-income families. The primary vehicle used by CSF to address these unsafe housing conditions is its self-help housing rehabilitation program.

CSF has assisted 180 families to rehabilitate homes. Another group of 60 families are pre-approved and waiting for additional funding. The self-help building approach gives the homeowner an opportunity to actively participate in the housing rehabilitation efforts; thus lowering the overall construction cost. Additionally, the self-help program provides homeowners with a feeling of accomplishment and investment in their home, adding to a sense of pride and community belonging.

The USDA Rural Development 523 Self-Help Housing program is the main funder for this effort. RCAC played a key role in adapting the program regulations to work in this unique program and provides needed technical assistance to CSF to ensure its continued success. RCAC regularly assists CSF to identify funding sources to expand its efforts. Funding has come from the Arizona Department of Housing, USDA Housing Preservation Grants and USDA 504 and 306c grants and loans.

This program serves as a model for self-help housing rehabilitation throughout Arizona and across the West.

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