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Mutual Self-Help Program | Counseling and Education | Multi-Family Apartments | Kingman Programs

Overview

The Mutual Self-Help Program is operated in Yuma and Mohave Counties, specifically in the cities of Somerton, San Luis, Wellton and Kingman, Arizona.

The Mutual Self-Help program is a first time home buyer program that provides assistance to very low and low income individuals and families willing to build 65% of their own house. While building their house participants earn sweat equity which can be equivalent to up to 10% of the house value making homeownership affordable and attainable. Each participant is placed in a group of 10 to 12 other participants and work together to build each other's houses. Participants are required to attend Pre-Purchase Counseling Education and Homeownership Education classes and commit to 40 hours of construction labor on weekends. Generally, 2 participants work 10 hours per day each. An onsite construction supervisor will train participants on each phase of construction process. Construction of the houses takes approximately 10 to 12 months to complete. Participants are able to move in once all the houses of the group are completed and inspected by a USDA Rural Development representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to apply for the program?
Families can apply at Housing America Corporation Office located at 130 N. State Avenue, Somerton, AZ or 2515 Kingman Avenue, Kingman, AZ.

Who funds the program?
Rural Development is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (formerly known as Farmers Home Administration FmHA). USDA RD provides the loan for Self-Help Housing including site development and grants for technical assistance.

How can I/We qualify?
Participants need to attend a pre-qualification interview to determine if they are eligible. Eligibility will be based on their credit history, income and employment.

How long does the process take?
After the pre-qualification interview, if the individual(s) are eligible for the program they will be placed on a waiting list. Thereafter, groups are formed according to the date the application was received, which could take from one month to six months.

How many house models are available to choose from?
There are ten house models available to choose from. Three, four, five and six bedroom plans are available with a carport or one or two car garage.

Can I qualify for a loan if I have credit problems?
Housing America has a program in place Pre-Purchase Counseling to help applicants with credit issues.

Do I need construction experience?
No construction experience is needed. Everyone receives construction training by an onsite technical field supervisor provided by Housing America.

Do I need construction tools?
You will receive a list of tools which you will need. Some tools will be provided by Housing America.

When can participants move into their houses?
All of the houses in the group must be entirely completed and inspected by a Rural Development representative before any participant moves in.

Are payments made while the house is being built?
No. Monthly payments generally will begin one month after the final inspection of the house or one month after the permanent loan is closed.