The new Habitat for Humanity house going up at 457 Busti Avenue is also a new design for the local chapter. 457 Busti, being constructed in honor of Pope Francis, will be a two-story house.
A second two-story new build will be built next door at 467 Busti. Each will be 43’ long and 14.5’ wide on 37.5’ lots with a driveway and small front porch. One will have four bedrooms and the other three. The two-story residences designed by Armitage Architecture are a marked departure from the prototype Habitat has been building in the city. The 1,150 sq.ft., three-bedroom, one bath, single-level design (below) has been used repeatedly on vacant lots on Ferguson Avenue, Johnson Street, Grey Street, Fox Street, and elsewhere.
Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money, land, and materials, Habitat for Humanity has built or rehabbed over 250 residences since the local chapter started in 1985. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to work, acceptance of responsibilities and ability to repay mortgage. Families must complete 500 hours of sweat equity, which includes homeowner education classes. Qualified families purchase Habitat homes with a zero-interest mortgage, enabling them to own their home.