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Putnam Habitat for Humanity announces a new program of housing assistance specifically designed to address the needs of Putnam County’s honorably discharged U.S. Military Veterans who are in need of a decent and affordable home to call their own. Veterans must meet low-income guidelines, must have a steady income, and must provide sweat equity if they are physically able. These homes are not rentals and will become owned by the qualifying Veteran. Our purpose is to build homes with families and to sell the houses at no profit and of no interest to families who could not otherwise afford a home.
We directly fund home repairs on smaller jobs under $1,000. We either supply the labor and materials or pay for the labor and materials. Repairs we do consist of minor repairs which do not require a license — such as plumbing, electrical, or roofing. We use this program mostly for those who do not qualify for the federal or state (USDA/SHIP) programs for those whose situation demands immediate action (federal and state can take up to three months before repairs are made). To qualify for this program, you must be the homeowner, meet low-income guidelines and live in the home in Putnam County.
After pre-screening applicants, we refer them to Tim Campbell, Church of Palatka – and a member of our board of directors, for the construction work. We purchase materials, COP supplies the labor. If the homeowner is a veteran, we refer them to their doctor who can authorize a ramp at no cost. In 2014 we began working closely with Haven Hospice whereas we supply knock-down aluminum ramps for disabled patients in hospice care for temporary use as long as the patient remains at home. To qualify you must live in Putnam Co. and meet low-income guidelines.
We pre-screen and assist with applications for qualified homeowners who can receive up to $20,000 in repairs via the federal government. Loans (1% for 20 years) and grants (62 or older, up to $7,500) are available. The program can repair all types of housing including mobile homes.
We directly assist churches and non-profits in purchasing construction materials at savings as high as 25%. The organizations pay us the discounted amount prior to the purchase being made.
We refer many people to the USDA’s 502 program. We pre-screen applicants. If they meet pre-screening guidelines, we put them in contact with our USDA representative in Ocala, who sends them an application. If needed, we can assist with the application process. Home loans are at very low interest rates, for 33 to 39 years. No closing costs are required.
In addition, each partner family will be required to:
Every winter and summer we conduct our Annual Fan and Heater Drives which help get fans and heat to low-income people in Putnam County at no charge. Fans and heaters that we collect are dropped at the Palatka Christian Service Center and Catholic Charities in Palatka, St. Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Store in Interlachen, and South Putnam Christian Service Center, Crescent City. The public is also encouraged to send money and designate for fans or heaters and it used to purchase them through discounted prices at Lowes.
