Uniquely designed to help people help themselves, Mutual Self-Help Housing is a “sweat equity” program that gives income qualified families the means to construct their own homes. Families who participate perform approximately 70 percent of the construction labor, under qualified supervision, on each others homes. The labor that families contribute substantially reduces the cost of each home, and serves as the down payment.
Participants in Housing Resources of Western Colorado‘s Mutual Self-Help Housing program must be willing to contribute a minimum of 30 hours per week for approximately 6 to 8 months. Family and friends can contribute up to 15 hours per week.
You will choose your own house lot and work with other families in the same area to build each other’s homes. You will choose the colors of your siding, roofing, paint, carpet, flooring and cabinets. Your house will be uniquely yours!
No construction experience needed—we will teach you everything you need to know. Some tasks will be completed by professionals but everything else is up to you and the other members of your group. In addition to your new home, you will be gaining valuable skills in budgeting, construction, maintenance and home repair.
Benefits Housing Resources of Western Colorado’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program
- Pride of home ownership
- Immediate home equity
- No down payment
- Reduced interest mortgage rates
Since Housing Resources of Western Colorado established the program in 1996, over 300 homes in Mesa County and surrounding areas have been built, providing affordable homeownership and helping to develop strong, stable community bonds.
Historical Data
Year Began
1997
Total Homes
387 New construction
287 Repaired
Area Served
Mesa County, Colorado
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