Homeownership truly is the American dream, but that isn’t possible for many in Greater Williamsport.

Barriers such as high costs and mortgages prevent some of the more vulnerable individuals from reaching that goal of home ownership.

Now, the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, which has built 54 affordable homes for low-income families since 1989, has a new campaign goal.

Over the next five years, Habitat, 335 Rose St., will oversee 11 home builds for limited-income families and seniors in the City of Williamsport and South Williamsport.

“I am excited to join this dynamic board and staff at such as important point in the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity’s history,” said Robert “Bob” Robinson, new executive director of the organization, who shared stories about his time at the University of Chicago, and how he was excited to lead the team on its mission.

He acknowledged homeownership has not been possible for many due to affordability barriers, especially for some of those individuals who have historically been barred from experiencing the benefits and value of owner-occupied living.

The annual kick-off for a campaign is called “Home Is.” Home means different things for people — security, safety, comfort, love … etc. Some of these and other concepts were shared at Le Jeune Chef, on the campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Those gathered at the restaurant learned about the latest homeownership plans including six houses on Scott Street, four in South Williamsport and more on the way.

Partnerships with families and donors

“A lot of folks think that a Habitat home build is a free home,” Robinson told the Sun-Gazette. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Habitat does not simply hand over keys to their homes, but, rather, creates a partnership with its homeowners.

Each is required to qualify for a mortgage that the family can afford, which equates to no more than one-third of their household income, and they also must contribute up to 250 hours of “sweat equity” to building their home, he said.

In prior years, the organization built one house every 12 to 18 months, but in order to respond to increasing numbers of low-income and poverty-related issues exacerbated by COVID-19 and the subsequent housing crisis, that will be stepped up, officials said.

Partners galore

Penn College and Habitat are involved in a joint house build project on Fifth Avenue, one using solar energy to reduce costs.

Robinson also described efforts to add courses that would instruct Habitat participants in how to change windows and place drywall, further minimizing costs for families by teaching them ways to maintain their homes.

Currently, there is a demand and need expressed by many who’ve approached Habitat officials, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent housing crisis, as rental prices rise and mortgage interest rates increase, he said.

More often than not, these are income-eligible families and seniors who want a permanent residence in which to live in peace and security, close to schools, colleges, stores, health care facilities, parks, entertainment venues and natural surroundings — all of which the city and other areas in Lycoming County offer.

Scarcity of safe and affordable housing

Most low- and moderate-income families and seniors are experiencing a lack of affordable, safe and secure housing in the area and across the nation.

With the county’s annual poverty rate at slightly more than 24% of its population — double the national average — prioritizing affordable housing is considered by Habitat officials as critical to various communities’ growth, Habitat officials said.

Besides the 11 home builds in the next five years, the organization is developing a model for sustainable affordable housing, with not only construction but also maintenance.

The families participating will partner with the organization from application to paying-off their mortgage.

Moreover, the local Habitat office staff collaborates with other organizations to develop creative connections which are assisting people who are transitioning to permanent owner-occupied housing.

The process involves assisting families with down payments, escrow, closing costs, mortgage and maintenance emergencies, Robinson said.

The organization advocates at the local, state and federal levels for policies supporting affordable housing.

“We are grateful for the 200 to 250 volunteers who partner with us, with varying levels of expertise and experience,” said Garret Sanner, Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity board president.

From financial to material contributions from donors, the mission, to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope, will continue with assistance from the generous donations from the public, officials said.

Their work has included building or renovating 54 homes for low-income families these past 33 years.

To learn about the annual giving campaign “Home Is,” go to www.lycominghabitat.org/.