Peek Inside: Eighth Habitat Home in Port Nearly Done

The newest of what will be a "little subdivision" of Habitat for Humanity homes in Port Washington is nearing completion, according to the Ozaukee County group's Building and Construction Manager John Orth.

The home, at 170 Park St., is the first of three new homes planned to be built on the shared driveway — but the eighth Habitat for Humanity-Ozaukee County Chapter home built in the city thus far, Orth said.

The crew broke ground in August, is finishing mechanicals this week and hopefully starting dry wall next week, Orth said. The work is 100 percent volunteer completed, with 250 "sweat equity" hours from the family who will be living there.

Families qualify for Habitat homes when they make less than 60 percent of the average income in the area, which equals about $40,000 for a family of four in Ozaukee County, he said. Contrary to common perception about Habitat's operations — the family does not receive the home for free; instead, the organization offers the new homeowners an easier way to pay.

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"Habitat's formula to make it an affordable mortgage is that we make it a no-interest mortgage," Orth said. The family will pay less than $500 monthly on a 30-year loan for the home.

Anyone can stop by and check out the Habitat home; Patch took a look inside the walls on Monday. 

Orth said the biggest benefit from the Habitat project for families isn't necessarily the home but it's side affects: children tend to get better grades, families can afford better transportation as well as live in better neighborhoods.

The family is about halfway complete with their sweat equity hours, Orth said. While they are working hard to get the project done, volunteer work makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact completion date.