Mutual-Self Help Housing Program

WHAT IS IT?

The Mutual Self-Help Housing is a program that helps families and individuals work together to build affordable homes.  You save on contractor costs by providing sweat equity. Our clients move into their new home with an average of up to $20,000 equity.  

WHERE CAN I BUILD?

You pick your land subject to approval by Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council.  You can build in Franklin, Crawford or Sebastian Counties (the cities of Fort Smith, Barling, and Van Buren are excluded from this program).  

WHAT IS THE COST?

Your labor is your down payment.  You will get a subsidized loan with Rural Development with an interest rate ranging from 1% to 3.25%.  The payment is based on your income and can be anywhere up to $750 inclusive with taxes and insurance.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN FLOOR PLANS?

You can select from several two, three, and four-bedroom plans based on your eligibility and affordability.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME?

You become involved in the construction with volunteer hours under the supervision of the Construction Manager.  No construction experience is necessary.  Anyone can do the work required of homeowners.  Those who have limitations can utilize help from family and friends. Licensed contractors are supplied by Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY?

Contact a Self-Help Housing Counselor at 479-785-2303.  We will assist you with a plan to become mortgage ready. Income limits apply:

SEBASTIAN & CRAWFORD COUNTY

NUMBER IN HOUSEHOLD                      INCOME LIMIT

          1 – 4                                                    $43,350

          5 – 8                                                    $57,200

FRANKLIN COUNTY

NUMBER IN HOUSEHOLD                        INCOME LIMIT

           1 – 4                                                    $42,000

           5 – 8                                                    $55,450

This program is income based, so your income must be within the income limits.  If your income is below that, you might qualify for a subsidy assistance on your payment. Call us, and we can calculate it for you. Our homes are engineered with insulation, ventilation, heating and air conditioning that produces lower utility bills. We provide affordable housing at the lowest possible costs to our clients. You must have a form of income to qualify for our program. For additional information on our Self-Help Program, please contact us at 479-785-2303 ex 109 or email  mfuchtman@cscdccaa.org.

Take the first step now to becoming a new home owner by completing our new application and printing this form for you to keep. Once you submit this application, one of our housing counselors will call you.

Here are a few of the homes we have completed.