Real Estate Market So Hot Even Habitat Searching for Lots

Fayette County Habitat for Humanity (FCHFH) gave an update to the La Grange City Council Monday night, April 25.

Kenny Couch, the organization’s executive director, said FCHFH is looking to buy lots for single family homes.

“We are very actively seeking single family lots to build houses on,” he said. “As everybody knows, they’re harder and harder to come by. We’re willing to pay cash. We’re not asking for handouts.”

Couch said FCHFH has built and sold eight homes in Fayette County since the nonprofit began operations in 2005 – six in La Grange and two in Schulenburg. The organization helps low-income families become homeowners.

“Our single-family program is what we’re most well known for,” Couch said. “That’s the usual when you think of Habitat (for Humanity). We find a family. We partner with them. They help alongside us as we construct their house.”

Couch said the families learn homeownership skills during construction. He said they learn how to install plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and fans. He said FCHFH can build a home in 180 days, depending on material availability.

“At the end of that period, we actually sell the home to the family with zero percent interest,” Couch said. “It’s discounted so they can afford it. We hold the note as the mortgage company for 30 years. Once the family pays it off, it’s theirs free and clear.”

A booming real estate market in the County has made it harder for FCHFH to purchase suitable lots to build upon.

“If we want to keep employees here, if we want to keep businesses here, if we want to keep our community strong and vibrant, we need to let the people who run our infrastructure be able to afford to live here,” he said.

Couch said his organization also needs volunteers.

“Most of our talented construction workers are aging out,” Couch said. “Most of the next generation is still working because money is getting tight. Things are difficult. We are facing a shortage. We’re exploring options, working with incoming students, working with Blinn and working with other groups to find construction workers.”

In other business, Couch said FCHFH has raised more than $100,000 so far for its Camp Street Cottages Project. The project will provide 10 residential units for senior citizens. The project will be located on Camp Street in La Grange behind Randolph Recreation Center.

Councilman Quenten Gonzalez asked Couch how his organization would select tenants for the Cottages.

“We’re going to partner with Combined Community Action (CCA),” Couch said. “We swing hammers. That’s our strength, that’s our skill. I don’t want to try and recreate another social service organization to find the intricacies of what these families need. We’re going to partner with CCA so they can find the family. We can swing the hammer and get them in.”

Couch said the Cottages will include a CCA office onsite with space for the Meals on Wheels program

FCHFH will also open a resale shop in Schulenburg this summer. Proceeds will help fund the organization’s housing programs.

“We’re selling used construction stuff, appliances, antiques,” Couch said.

Couch said FCHFH is planning to open the shop during the 90 Miles on Highway 90 Garage Sale, set for June 3 and 4. The location will be announced soon, he said.

Learn more about FCHFH by visiting www.fayettecountyhabitat.org. Contact the organization by calling (210) 816- 0942.