Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County plans its biggest home build in recent years

“We’re trying to make sure the families can own the homes long-term, not just for a few years,” she said of the new project. “We build homes in an affordable way, but every year, there is an appraisal for taxes on each home that exists, and that’s what is really challenging our families that already own Habitat homes or any home. The valuations are increasing.”

The hope is that the multifamily approach will help with this issue, Hoffman said, adding that the property itself will be paid off in July, thanks to donors.

This is Habitat’s largest affordable housing project in recent times, according to Hoffman. A six-lot development was completed in town off Morrow Street in 2018, and a 20-lot development was built in 2011.

The 21st Street project’s first home build event is planned for 2021. Typically, volunteers from the community aid in the builds, but right now, construction sites are limited to five volunteers at a time to maintain safe social distancing during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re about a year away from even starting with volunteer activities, so we’ll see where we are then on group sizes and what that looks like,” Hoffman said. “As we move through time, we know it will change.”