MONROE — Habitat for Humanity of Green County (HHGC) has purchased a lot in Monroe where it will begin building two homes this spring. For the first time, HHGC is building a duplex within an existing condominium neighborhood.

The organization will give preference to veterans (military, reserves or National Guard) in selecting the homes’ recipients, but non-veterans may be eligible and should apply. Applications from qualified individuals and families are now being accepted.     

“Building a duplex allows us to realize substantial savings on construction so that we can offer two units,” Paula Elmer, HHGC president said. “We hope to include veteran sub-contractors and plan to enlist vets as volunteers in the build process.”

The duplex will be located at 509 and 511 3rd Avenue in Monroe.

Bruce Sweeny, a current Habitat volunteer, will serve as the project manager for the build. Sweeny is a veteran with substantial experience managing projects of varying complexity. Steve Zuber has been hired as general contractor. He served as the general contractor on the home HHGC built in New Glarus in 2018.

Selection guidelines call for families or individuals who can make their monthly payments but who do not qualify for a conventional mortgage. There is a low down payment requirement and HHGC offers qualified families interest free mortgages.

Hours of volunteer labor and donated materials and items help keep the costs of Habitat homes down. Professional subcontractors are hired as necessary.

To qualify for a Habitat home, individuals/families must meet specific guidelines and agree to put their own labor into the project. The Habitat Website www.greencountyhabitat.org contains the requirements and information on how to apply. Submitting an application is the first step to see if there is a good fit between the applicant and the home. Veterans will need to produce proof of honorable discharge (DD214) as part of the application process.

Green County Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. The local chapter has built homes for 23 families. The organization has also participated in numerous home repair projects and operates a resale store in Monroe at 305 2nd Street that offers usable household and construction items.