Habitat to build home in Pullman

PULLMAN — Applications for Palouse Habitat for Humanity’s Pullman location are now open, for the 565 Umatilla Court house.

Palouse Habitat for Humanity Outreach Coordinator Virginia Martinson said the application process for the home located off of Grand and Umatilla Court in the Sundance Community started Monday, Jan. 6, and will run until Feb. 3.

“A lot was generously donated by Kevin Kirkman,” Martinson said, adding a typical Habitat home is about 1200 square feet, with two bedrooms and two baths.

“We are looking for the next family to partner with Palouse Habitat for Humanity,” she said.

Habitat for Humanity has not built in Pullman since the 1990s, Martinson said, noting when they are able to build in Pullman and Moscow a lot of applicants come forward with housing being near amenities and an easier job commute.

Martinson said applicants need a source of income and Habitat will look to see if their debt to income ratio is too high and if they can afford to make a payment.

“We also look at need, so if they are currently in a housing situation where there is overcrowding,” Martinson said, noting this also includes if current housing is not weatherized properly.

Martinson said Habitat homeowners will need to work for equity, being able to do up to 300 hours helping on the build site.

Assisting on the build is new Construction Manager for home build and repair programs, Maya Jovanovich.

“We are very excited to have Maya join the Palouse Habitat team,” Palouse Habitat Executive Director Jennifer Wallace said, noting Jovanovich brings experience in project management and connections to the local construction industry.

“Affordable housing is an issue near and dear to my heart,” Jovanovich said. “I’m eager to join the members and volunteers of Palouse Habitat to expand the program within our community and serve more individuals and families in need.”

Palouse Habitat announced last year the goal to double home building in response to increasing need for safe, affordable housing on the Palouse.

Plans include expanding the home repair program, currently focused on exterior accessibility improvements such as ramps, stamps, handrails and more.

Palouse Habitat for Humanity plans to complete three homes by the end of 2025 and expand the current home repair program to include interior repairs and improvements.

Martinson said Habitat is in the process of the Palouse home build and will be starting to build a home in Moscow.

The Pullman build will happen in 2025 after the homeowner application is finished.

“We would love to continue to build in Pullman, we would love to get more donations for lots,” Martinson said. “If anyone has any in Pullman reach out to us, so we can continue to build.”