SUMMIT COUNTY — To create truly affordable homes in the community, Summit County's Habitat for Humanity group is working on plans to build 10 homes for local, low-income families. Though the local group hasn't built homes in the area for four years or more, three houses built by the organization are already in the county.

Summit County's Habitat organization mainly focuses on partnering with the community to build affordable homes for people who might not otherwise be able to afford them. According to Summit County Habitat for Humanity director Nancy Shockey, the project was made possible due to favorable terms procuring the land.

The developer of Braddock West — found near the intersection of Tiger Road and Highway 9 in Breckenridge — is set to work with Habitat on five duplexes (with three-bedroom units) over the next five years. The first duplex will likely be constructed this summer, with plans to break group by late June.

The estimated cost for a unit will be $150,000. Habitat works under the premise of no profit and no interest —the family buys the house “at cost” and there's no interest on the mortgage. Home buyers must also help construct Habitat Humanity homes, including their own.

“Habitat for Humanity is excited about the opportunity to join with the community and our partner families to build decent, affordable housing intended for lower income families currently living in over-crowded or substandard conditions,” Shockey said. “Our hope is that everyone in Summit County will join us in this venture, either by donating funds or volunteering their time.”

The local Habitat group is also working with the Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) and the Summit County Housing Authority to select qualified families for homeownership.

“It will be great to have these projects back in Summit County,” said Anita Overmyer of the Family and Intercultural Resource Center.

Shockey said the new homes will be a great opportunity for local families because it will give them the “opportunity to grow and be stronger. It takes a family out of an overcrowded living condition.”

“I think it's important to the community because it offers individuals who are generally priced out of the market (the option) to achieve home ownership,” Shockey added.

Plans for the project will be presented at a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser set for March 5 at the Lodge and Spa in Breckenridge from 5-9 p.m. The event will include a wine tasting, a silent auction and appetizers.

Volunteers are needed including professional electricians, plumbers and constructors who are willing to donate their time and talent. Contact Shockey at (970) 367-5127 or e-mail Execdirsummit@gmail.com to become involved in the project.

Caitlin Row can be reached at (970) 668-4633 or at crow@summitdaily.com.

Application guidelines for local Habitat for Humanity homes: — In the application requirements, the applicant must be in the 80 percent or less AMI range which in Summit County means a family of four with a household income of up to $68,000 per year. There's no minimum income level. —The applicant must have a commitment to living in Summit County — They must not have declared bankruptcy or have bad credit — Applicants must be legal residents — They must agree to go through financial training if chosen Applications are being accepted now until April 1 and can be dropped off at FIRC and the Summit Housing Authority or can be mailed to: Habitat For Humanity — Summit County, PO Box 4330, Breckenridge, CO 80424