After many years of non-development in South Phoenix, the City finally recognized how valuable the land is and is now very interested in revitalizing the area. That's all fine and dandy, but what do the residents of south Phoenix think? After several interview with many of the residents in the area, most were pleased with the many changes that are happening after many years of no interest from all city governments involved. Some of the problems with some of the new development are some of the new homes being built by for profit business are very costly! So who can afford to live there? Most of the residents that have been there all their lives can not afford those very homes. 

Lucky for the residents of South Phoenix there are many outstanding non-profit groups, in the area that will close the gap and more residents will be able to move in some of these new homes. So how does that work? Lets look at Espiritu non-profit affordable developer that builds homes in South Phoenix. First the family must have a combined in come of at least $1600.00 a month. Credit problems are ok, but bad credit must be paid off first in order to qualify for a regular mortgage. Once that is taken care, we will ask for things like two years of income taxes, pay stubs all current bills that your paying on. Once that is done, Espiritu will figure out how much you would qualify for. For example lets say a family qualifies for $75k but the new home built by Espiritu will cost 100K to build. There is a $25K gap. Espiritu works with the City of Phoenix, the City will give a grant of the $25K! It will not affect your mortgage nor do you have to pay the grant back! The home is yours. Families only have to put $1500.00 for a down payment. This process takes three months, because that is how long it takes to build an affordable home. All homes have two car garages, double pained windows, you pick the color and carpet and the tile. Only three and four bedrooms are being built each have a six foot block fence in the back yard. Both brick and stucco are available, desert landscaping in the front yard! All mortgages are from local banks 30 year market rate. Under roof 2000 sq ft. For more information please call UCW at 602 258-5300 or email ucwphx@msn.com other groups include Community Excellence Project, Sunnyslope Revitalization, and Capitol Mall Association 602-340-0745. All HOMESTART GROUPS, progrom includes pre/post home counseling with no cost to the families and no application fee. All HOMESTART GROUPS are Community Development Coorporation. Making many changes in the neighborhoods.               

Rebecca Villalpando
Urban Studies
                                                                  Hand Me The Saw!

        I always wanted to use a circular saw, and I finally had my chance. Habitat for Humanity gave me the chance to do what I always want to try! The other classmates were on the roof and they needed a piece of plywood cut. The saw was by my foot, so I acted like I knew what I was doing and I used a circular saw for the first time in my life. I had used many hand saws, but this was much different and much easier. My classmates yelled at me, and gave me the measurements, I measured, cut and lifted the plywood back onto the roof with the help of other classmates. It was hard work. I can not really say that I liked it, to be honest. I would rather do that hard work on my own home.
        Overall, I was not real crazy about the experience. I was real concerned about some safety violations, that I had noticed. Some of the other classmates that were also using the circular saw, did not have safety glasses on. That should of not been allowed, the wood particles fly pretty fast and could easily get lodged in the eye. I wore my sunglasses. One young man, that had no experience using the saw almost grabbed the blade, thinking he was putting his hand in the right place. I pushed his hand it out of the way. Saws can be very dangerous. I think the lead man took for granted that all the guys knew how to use the saws.
        Another incident that concerned me, was all the people on the roof. There was way to many. It was hard to supervise that many people and everyone seem to be getting in the way of each other. One young lady, almost fell off the roof. She was pretty shaken up, a few of us, assisted her off the roof. It made me a little nervous.
        I also did not care for the General Contractor. Right before it was time for us to leave, he wanted everyone to work even harder. He wanted us to put as much plywood as we could up on the roof, so they would not have to do it. We were only there to assist we were not paid workers. This was about ten minutes before lunch. I was to tired and so were a lot of the other classmates. And the two cookies didn’t cut it! Thanks, but no thanks!