Santa Clarita City Council unanimously approved Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys’ (SF/SCV) “SCV Habitat for Heroes” 87-home community on Tuesday, Mar. 26. This will be an affordable housing community made up of four and three bedroom homes for low-income veterans and their families.
Bob Kellar, Mayor for the City, was in full support noting his excitement to approve a well-designed project with the support of so many local community leaders, including the neighbors of the project, Hart School District was among the neighbors, there to support.
The proposed 22.8-acre site for the project is on Centre Pointe Parkway south of the Golden Triangle Road intersection and north of Bowman High School.
The decision to build the development in Santa Clarita was a no-brainer, said Donna Deutchman, the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, “based on a desire to build a model program for veterans in a model city.”
“This is not a handout,” Deutchman said. “This is something veterans have earned the right and privilege to have access to through their service.” These Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV homes are being built in collaboration with the California Department of Veteran Affairs. Veterans and their families will be able to purchase these homes with a 30-40 year mortgage and pay no more than 35% of their monthly income for their mortgage payment, HOA dues, water and taxes.
During the hearing, Deutchman and Carl Goldman of KHTS AM 1220 and chair of the SCV Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity made note that many of our Country’s veterans have proudly served our Country but have lost the years of learning basic life-skills training that others their age have already received by the time they return from service.
Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV answers not only the affordable housing need for these low-income veterans, but provides what they call “Enrichment” Services to their families before and after move in to teach these important life skills. Services in the program include connecting families with other organizations, social services and non-profits who provide: financial literacy workshops, health education and screenings, homework help for the children, computer training, PTSD counseling, and veteran-specific services.
Jack Shine, long-time Habitat Board Member and Santa Clarita philanthropist, noted that Habitat for Humanity, San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys has the Board expertise to make this vision a reality with the assistance of the Santa Clarita Advisory group. Last night, Santa Clarita City Council agreed.