Delete WardOct 10, 2024
Council awarded Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding towards its 400 Home Initiative, to build or rehabilitate that number of homes in Cuyahoga and Lorain County, including in the city of Cleveland.
As part of the new homes being built in Cleveland, 19 are modular homes. Two modular homes have already been built, and 10 more are under construction. The locations for the other seven have not yet been secured. The 19 modular homes being installed in Cleveland neighborhoods are receiving some of that financial support Council awarded, with each home receiving $90,000.
Modular homes are houses built off-site, and are completed in sections called modules, according to specific plans. These sections are then transported to the site where they are assembled by builders and installed into the foundations.
Over the course of the next three years, Greater Cleveland Habitat will be working in Wards 2 (Mount Pleasant), 4 (Buckeye Woodhill), 8 (Collinwood), 11 (West Boulevard) and 15 (Detroit-Shoreway) to build, rehabilitate and repair homes. New homes will be sold at appraised value with a 0% interest mortgage.
The two homes already constructed are in Ward 15 are both 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,350 sq. ft. with basements. They were lowered onto their foundations in early September.
"It's exciting to be part of the first wave of Habitat's 400 Home Initiative, with the first modular houses right here on West 83rd Street,” said Ward 15 Councilmember Jenny Spencer. “In addition, these are single-story, mobility-friendly homes, ensuring that residents will age gracefully and comfortably in our community."
The 10 under construction are in Ward 8. Councilman Mike Polensek had identified the 1.7 acre property for Habitat and worked to ensure the project went forward, with Council approving the sale of the city-owned land.
Councilman Polensek has long advocated for more affordable single family homes to go up in Cleveland, believing the city is saturated with high-end rentals. Modular homes fit the bill, because they are constructed much more quickly, affordably and with superior construction.
“We need to create single family homes for families with children so they can have a yard to play in,” Councilman Polensek said. “We need quality housing that we can get up fast. And this is a fabulous location, across the street from the Humphrey Sports Complex and Park.”
The 10 homes in Ward 8 will all be 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,350 sq. ft. with full basements and garages. The homes will be built with aging-in-place in mind, and are ENERGY STAR® certified which provides better indoor air quality, and reduced energy costs for homeowners.
The modular homes should significantly increase Habitat's existing capacity to build homes faster to help combat the housing crisis in the City.
Councilman Kris Harsh has advocated that Cleveland and Cuyahoga County leaders should contact large modular housing builders in America and urge them to take a closer look at Cleveland as a site for one of their facilities.
Habitat, which is committed to helping people afford homes, sells to families at a 0% interest mortgage and low closing costs. Families have to provide volunteer hours for Habitat as well as take home maintenance and financial literacy classes. Because Habitat is the lender, they ensure that the mortgage is no more than 30%, and usually closer to 20%, of the family income.
"We are so excited to commence the installation of our modular homes in Cleveland. These installations are a major step in helping us complete our 400-Home Initiative," said John Litten, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Habitat.