How to get a brand-new home

Aspiring homeowners can become just that, with a new home on Ditmas Avenue in Mastic, if accepted to Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming project.

Habitat for Humanity is setting its sights on Ditmas Avenue in Mastic for an upcoming project. One family will have the chance to buy and build a brand-new home through Habitat’s famous program.

In an information session on April 25, local residents will have a chance to learn more and ask questions about the Habitat process. Habitat calls their program a “hand up” rather than a “hand out,” as eligible people will need to have met certain requirements. Potential residents must show they have an ability to pay for the home once it is completed, put in “sweat equity” by taking part in the construction phase and by constructing other homes, and take courses with Habitat to learn about taking care of a house.

Habitat for Humanity buys open plots and puts them up as potential sites for new homes, and when interested people inquire, they are able to choose from the available locations. Eligible applicants must have good credit standing, have the ability to make a down payment, and show a recurring source of income. They must also show a need for new housing, where Habitat could empower them to have a better life in a new home. Issues the organization will look for are not enough space for all inhabitants, absentee landlords, maintenance issues and more.

Habitat homes are built to be sustainable, according to the organization, taking the environment and energy-conscious practices into account. All newly constructed homes achieve Energy Star with Indoor Air Plus ratings and are designed and built to achieve Version 3 Energy Star and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Energy Star is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency that was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star homes use 15 to 30 percent less energy on average than standard homes.

“Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk offers great opportunities for homeownership for people in need,” said Suffolk County Legis. Rudy Sunderman, who is partnering with Habitat to host the information session. “I encourage anyone who is in need of affordable housing to attend this informational meeting; this could lead to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Ditmas Avenue is on the western edge of the Forge River, just next to the Forge River Marina. It’s also two blocks north of Riviera Drive. The information session will also give details on how to volunteer with the organization, how to become a homeowner through the program, and what they plan to bring to Mastic. It will take place on April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Forge River Boat Club, Riviera Drive in Mastic. More information can be found at habitatsuffolk.org or by contacting Sunderman’s office.