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Tuscaloosa Habitat’s first home built in the Milestone neighborhood lives up to its name – it is a key part of the affiliate’s workforce housing initiatives and its second “autism supportive” house to be built.
The home also illustrates AHFA’s 32-year partnership with the Alabama affiliates of Habitat for Humanity. The proven, successful arrangement places low-income families into quality, affordable new homes. Habitat finances construction of a home with a zero percent mortgage loan for the homeowner. AHFA then purchases the mortgage and holds it for the life of the loan.
By monetizing the loan on the front end, Habitat receives the total loan proceeds immediately – instead of over 30 years – and puts the money right back into building more homes.
In addition to these measures of success, the new construction has transformed the lives of its new homeowner, Regina Ivory, and her teenage grandson, Xavier. The two were previously living in a family-owned home until it was condemned, and then in public housing until their own new, two-bedroom home was completed.
“I think Regina Ivory has put in more sweat equity hours than just about any homeowner we’ve had,” said Ellen Potts, executive director of Habitat Tuscaloosa. “She took Xavier in to keep him from going into foster care. She’s an amazing person.”
Accommodations for Autism
To make the home “autism supportive,” Habitat Tuscaloosa worked with Arts ‘n Autism, a local support organization, to determine how to make the house safer for Xavier and how to simplify Regina’s care for him.
For example, the builders added insulation not only to the exterior of the home, but also to Xavier’s bedroom walls as a noise barrier. Dimmer switches throughout the house enable full control of lighting levels. Door locks and a fenced backyard ensure extra safety and prevent wandering, a special concern for the Ivory family since a creek runs behind their house.
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