Fort Collins, Colo. (June 20, 2016) – As part of its mission to bring affordable, quality housing to those struggling financially, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity plans to host a ground blessing ceremony for its new home building project, Harmony Cottages. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 21 at 8:30 a.m. on the southeast corner of Harmony and Taft Hill roads. Harmony Cottages is the biggest housing development project Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity has worked on to date and will support the city of Fort Collins’ ambitious Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. The goal for the city initiative is to increase inventory of affordable house from 5 percent to 6 percent of housing stock by the year 2019.
Mayor Troxell will speaking at the ceremony, highlighting the city’s appreciation for Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity as critical partner in working towards the goal of affordable housing in Fort Collins.
“Safe and affordable housing is one of the most crucial components for families to be self-sufficient, to further their education and job goals and to live well,” said Kristin Candella, Executive Director of Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity. “The Harmony Cottages will fulfill this need on a large scale and give our fellow community members a strong foundation upon which to build their lives.”
The neighborhood will consist of 44 duplex units and four single-family homes on 4.45 acres. The units will be interspersed with a maximum green open space, a pocket park, attached garage small private yards and courtyards surrounded by white-picket fences to increase the feeling of community. Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is proud to have been awarded CDBG-DR in the amount of $278,000 and an additional $480,000 of HOME funds from the City of Fort Collins for lot purchase and water taps.
Another special element will take place at the ground blessing, as a time capsule will be buried in honor of current board president, Steve Taylor of Hot Corner Concepts. Plans to unearth the capsule will commence in approximately 10 years when all 48 families are settled in to the community.
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is currently seeking house sponsors and will begin recruiting volunteers in early 2017, with home construction to start in the spring of 2017.
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seek to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the Fort Collins area and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. www.FortCollinsHabitat.org.
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