RCAC’s $1.054 million acquisition loan made it possible for Community Home Builders (CHB) to purchase finished lots, which allowed CHB to maintain an inventory of lots for its very active and successful self-help housing program.

CHB, formerly Yamhill Community Development Corporation created in 1990, is a nonprofit organization that invests in individuals, families, and rural communities by developing home ownership, equity and skills. Self-Help housing offers these low-income families an opportunity for homeownership. With hard work through self-help construction and low cost USDA mortgage financing, families with incomes below $31,000 can purchase their own home.

CHB has active and successful self-help program

To address an increasing demand for affordable housing, in Lafayette, a rural community in Yamhill County, CHB planned to develop 43 units of Mutual Self-Help housing over a four year period. According to the Lafayette Comprehensive Plan, Lafayette has the highest percentage (59 percent) of low- to moderate-income households in Yamhill County.

In spite of the fact that CHB had resources to pay for about half of the cost of the 43 lots, no banks were willing to make a loan on vacant land. The RCAC Loan Fund financed the balance of the project. Our green building standards encouraged CHB to implement green build features in the design and construction of the homes, and the homeowners will realize significant savings in their monthly utility costs.

RCAC also provides technical assistance to CHB through USDA funding.