Build the home of your dreams.
Children running free in the yard and the calm, slow days in the countryside... it’s a dream for many people. But unfortunately, it’s often not attainable in today’s tough housing market.
Our programs in Santa Cruz County, Arizona help you gain homeownership through your own hard work so you can build a secure and stable future for your family. From selecting the floor plan to framing the walls to installing your kitchen cabinets and countertops, you are involved in every step of the way.
All our homes are built to building codes and Energy Star 3.0 standards, so you can be confident your home is environmentally friendly and will stand strong for generations.
You could be one of the over 300 happy, satisfied families we’ve helped unlock homeownership since our program’s founding in 1993. Learn more about our different programs below to find your best fit.
Our Mutual Self-Help Housing Program allows you to build your own house, one weekend at a time. By providing about 65% of the labor for your house, your family earns “Sweat Equity”, which is equivalent to $100,000 in equity, or value of the home. This removes labor from the total cost of the house—making your home more affordable for you!
To qualify for our program, your income must be at or below the 80% area median income.
We help you secure stable and affordable housing, even if you would otherwise not be able to. Your monthly mortgage payments are based on your income. And if you cannot meet your mortgage payments during the construction phase, the funds for these payments can be subsidized.
This is how it works:
Step 1: Apply for our program.
Step 2: If you are approved for a 502 USDA Direct Loan*, you will then choose a floor plan and form a group with other families.
Step 3: Together, you will start building one another's homes during the weekends. The construction phase is about 2 months per home.
Step 4: After completing the home of each family in the group, you will each be handed the keys to your new home.
Apply for our Mutual Self-Help Housing Program to join a group of other motivated families in the community and start building a home of your own!
*The 502 USDA Direct Loan is an individual construction loan between $150,000 to $160,000, depending on the floor plan model you choose. You will use this money to purchase the land and fund the construction of your home.
Our SHOP Lite Home Purchase Program is another way you can unlock homeownership to provide financial stability for your family. If you have a larger budget or would prefer to provide less labor for the construction of your home, this program may be a better fit for you.
To qualify for the SHOP Lite Program, your income must not exceed 120% of the area median income.
When you opt for our SHOP Lite program, you provide 10% of the labor and can choose from three different floorplan options: these include one 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom models and two 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom models. The cost of these contractor-built homes ranges from $240,000 to $260,000.
After work on the house begins, construction of the house will typically be completed within 4 months.
This is how it works:
Step 1: Apply for our program.
Step 2: If you qualify for our program, you will then choose a floorplan and lot.
Step 3: You then reserve your selected lot with a $1,000 escrow check, which is a type of down payment on your home.
Step 4: After opening the escrow, construction begins.
Step 5: Your home will be completed within 4 months. After receiving the Certificate of Occupancy, you will close at the Title Company.
Apply for our SHOP Lite Home Purchase Program to start your homeownership journey!
Please note CPLC does not provide loans, but you may apply for a grant to see if you qualify for assistance, depending on available funds.