Habitat for Humanity seeking prospective homeowners, volunteers from CWU

Aspiring homeowners in the Central Washington University community are encouraged to apply for the third and final phase of a Habitat for Humanity (HFH) development north of campus known as Stuart Meadows.

Twelve three-bedroom homes have already been built on the corner of Water and Bender streets, and the Habitat for Humanity of Seattle, King and Kittitas Counties affiliate will complete the last six residences this year.

Two of the homeowners from Phases I and II of the project are from the CWU community, and Area Director Stephanie Bohman would like to see more applications from CWU faculty, staff, and students for Phase III. Those interested in applying for one of the new homes are encouraged to apply online. Applicants should express their interest soon as final decisions will be made in the coming weeks.

“It’s no secret that economics are strained, and we offer an exceptional opportunity for residents who make below the median income in Kittitas County ($68,000 per year) to become homeowners,” Bohman said, adding that three more units will be built on Willow Street beginning this spring.

As board member Delano Palmer explained, Stuart Meadows and similar HFH developments offer CWU employees and students — and other members of the local community — an affordable option for home ownership.

“Habitat for Humanity is playing a significant role in our future by creating affordable housing in an area that desperately needs it,” said Palmer, who also serves as CWU’s Director of Capital Planning and Projects. “These projects give local families an opportunity to own a home, and they also give people looking for volunteer opportunities a chance to make a difference in their community.”

Bohman explained that HFH homes are sold at a cost not exceeding 35% of a household’s income at the time of purchase, and the mortgage is not recalculated if that income increases.

"This approach allows homeowners to invest more fully in their families, their futures, and their communities," she said.

Partners are encouraged to engage with Habitat in a variety of ways, whether by helping build homes, volunteering at the store, or supporting events like Give & Golf and A Full House for Habitat Gala, she said.

“Every household brings different strengths and abilities, and the program is designed to ensure the partnership experience is equitable and accessible for all,” Bohman said.

Since Stuart Meadows broke ground in 2023, Palmer and Bohman have helped coordinate a variety of volunteer partnerships with on-campus groups, including the President’s Office, the Office of Marketing and Communications, the Veteran and Military-Connected Center, SLICE, and the Executive Leadership Team.

Bohman said the nonprofit organization is always looking for new volunteers to get involved — and that doesn’t always mean putting on a hard hat and safety goggles.

“We are hoping to partner more with the CWU Construction Management internship program for project management, graphic design, and nonprofit work,” Bohman said. “We have volunteer opportunities every week, and we expect to have even more this spring.”

The local HFH affiliate is planning three events this year and will be looking to fill a variety of support roles. A land dedication for the Willow Street development will take place in May, along with a home dedication for Phase II of Stuart Meadows. Phase III will get underway in the fall, followed by a Volunteer Appreciation Day event on October 29.

The local affiliate will also present a series of fundraisers this summer and fall: the 16th annual Give & Golf event at Suncadia Resort on June 18, a benefit concert at Swiftwater Cellars on August 1, and A Full House for Habitat Gala on September 26.

“We’re going to need a lot of help this year, and we want to give people more opportunities to get involved in fun ways,” Bohman said. “We would love to see our friends from CWU come out and join us.”

Even if you’re not actively involved in a local HFH project, Ellensburg residents and members of the CWU community are invited to stop by the Habitat for Humanity Store at 212 S. Railroad Ave. The store offers household goods, books, furniture, wood supplies, paint supplies and more. As an added bonus, CWU card holders receive a 10% discount.

“We really appreciate all of our volunteers from CWU, and we want to give them an added incentive to come and see us,” Bohman said.

In addition to providing opportunities for home ownership, the HFH Seattle, King and Kittitas Counties affiliate also offers a free Home Repair Program to homeowners who fall below 80% of the annual median income. Bohman noted the program is free to homeowners because of HUD grants and foundations.

HFH works with local contractors to perform repairs and renovations, including roof leaks, holes in flooring, bathroom remodels, ramp installations, and safety modifications. More information is available on the HFH website.

“We’re the only program in the county that, at no cost to the homeowner, can do repair work between $5,000 and $15,000,” Bohman said. “We want homeowners to have a safe, secure, healthy environment to live in, and this program removes some of the financial stress for our participants.”

If you would like to learn more about HFH programs or upcoming events in Kittitas County, please email kittitas.info@habitatskc.org.