Officials say they wish they were handing out more keys, but the economy and housing slump hurt their cause.
CHARLOTTE -- In a time when the economy is weak and the housing market has seen better days, Habitat for Humanity is having their Home Builders Blitz.
The event looked to build five homes in one week, all with donated materials and volunteer manpower. As a result, five new residents were handed keys to their own home on Friday.
“It means so much, so much,” said new home owner Robin Means. “[It means] a future for my children; a home where my son can be comfortable; a home we can start our married life. We’re just excited.”
Means is one of the five who got new homes thanks to the Builders Blitz. Officials say they wish they were handing out more keys, but the economy and housing slump hurt their cause.
In a time when the economy is weak and the housing market has seen better days, Habitat for Humanity is having their Home Builders Blitz.
"It's necessary to do this no matter where the economy is,” said Shawn Dougan with M/I Homes. “It's important we do this for our community and our trade partners really stepped up during a hard time."
As one of the few cities with rising home prices, Charlotte is addressing the lack of affordable housing. "We're addressing the issue of the need for more affordable housing in the under 60 percent of median income range,” explained Bert Green, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Charlotte. “In fact, most of home owners fall under 40 percent of median income. We're serving those most in need with affordable housing."
Habitat for Humanity provides the new homeowners with an interest-free mortgage.
Check out the Builders Blitz from other parts of the state in these stories:
