10 families chosen for Habitat for Humanity homes in Old Folsom

Ten local families are one step closer to homeownership with a new low-income housing project in the Historic Folsom neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento hosted a wall-raising event Jan. 22 at its newest 10-home community on Persifer and Coloma streets. The site is across the street from the Sutter Middle schoolyard. After 279 applications were submitted, the selected families will contribute 500 hours of sweat equity and buy the homes with affordable mortgages, ensuring long-term financial stability, staff said. Each family has completed homeownership counseling and will pay closing costs before moving in, staff said. The Persifer property was previously the site of the Marvin May building, a former firehouse, city hall annex and library. The Historic Commission unanimously approved the project at Coloma and Persifer streets last year but had little choice with state pressure to streamline affordable housing. The project features five 1,268 square-foot, two-story, four-bedroom, two-bath, single-family residences and includes five more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on the same five lots. The ADU cottages will be one-story, 750 square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath residences along the alley behind. The energy-efficient, all-electric homes will have drought-tolerant landscaping. Each two-story residence would have an attached one-car garage in the front, and each one-story residence in back will have an uncovered parking space off the alley, staff said. All 10 residences will have variations on a single floor plan and feature different roofs, architecture, colors and materials. The program is for lower-income families within 30 to 80 percent of Sacramento County area median income, according to the report. The formula equates to an annual household income of $94,300 or less for a family of four. The project is made possible through support from the city of Folsom, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, SMUD, U.S. Bank and regional donors and investors. "This project is a testament to the power of partnership," said Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino. "These new homes reflect Folsom's commitment to preserving our historic character while embracing sustainability. More importantly, they create opportunities for families to thrive." Visit habitatatgreatersac.org for more information about Habitat for Humanity work in Folsom.