The Mutual Self-Help Housing program for Boone, Carroll, Marion, Newton and Searcy counties broke ground Monday morning for the 21st home in its program. The ceremony was presented by Northwest Regional Housing Authority, Mutual Self-Housing Staff and Mutual Self-Help families.

Mutual Self-Help Housing programs unite very-low income families and individuals in a partnership to finance and construct affordable housing for themselves, including site purchase and home construction costs. Families are required to work as a team on each other’s homes, and federal funds cover the remainder of the loans.

“This home reflects an important partnership with the North Arkansas College and Gary Karoly’s Construction Technology Class,” according to a press release. Northark construction students are helping frame the house.

Classes participating in the construction phase include students enrolled in the college class along with a class that involves high school juniors and seniors.

The Mutual Self-Help Program has been administered and financed by USDA Rural Development since 1971. The program provides funding through USDA’s 502 direct savings program, and families’ “Sweat Equity” provides $8,000 to $12,000.

USDA financing is available without a down payment. Payment assistance is available, and payments are based on household income. Loans for up to 100 percent of construction costs are available on 33-year loans.

Construction is accomplished by five to 10 families or individuals who work together to build their homes under the guidance of a construction supervisor. The Self-Help group is required to perform at least 65 percent of construction work. “Everyone shares in the construction process on each other’s home,” the press release stressed.

The program has built 15 homes and six homes are under construction. A new group is scheduled to begin after the first of the year.

For more information, phone Vicky Stratton or Maria Rogers at (870) 741-5522.