Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity announced that a $60,000 grant from All Points North Foundation will supply solar power to its new homes in SE Bend. The 27th St Townhomes will provide sustainable, affordable homeownership to twelve hardworking local families. Low- and moderate-income households are disproportionately affected by energy insecurity. Due to housing costs, they often must rent older or under-maintained homes, which causes higher energy consumption.
Molly, a single mom of two kids, purchased her Habitat home in 2023. “My last utility bill in my apartment was $208. My new Habitat house is two stories and way bigger than the apartment. I run the A/C and heat as much as I want, and my bill was $14.50,” she said. “That extra money every month makes all the difference so you can actually get ahead.”
Bend-Redmond Habitat’s homes are designed with energy efficiency measures and environmental sustainability at the forefront. Utilizing sustainable practices similar to their NW Cottages, Quince Townhomes, and Watercress Townhomes, the new 27th St Townhomes will bring Habitat’s portfolio to 51 Net-Zero or half Net-Zero homes completed since 2021.
“Every system in our homes is designed to optimize energy efficiency,” said Carly Colgan, executive director at Bend-Redmond Habitat. “By starting with an airtight, well insulated home, and then adding solar power, our homeowners’ utility costs are about $12-35 per month. We are incredibly grateful to partner with All Points North Foundation to provide solar for our homeowners,” Colgan said. With the combination of an affordable mortgage and low-cost utility bills, Habitat homeowners build savings, spend money on extra-curriculars, and invest in their children’s futures.
Funding from All Points North Foundation covers the cost to install solar power for all twelve homes at Bend-Redmond Habitat’s 27th St Townhomes community. The homes are deed restricted to remain permanently affordable, ensuring resale to income-qualified buyers.
“All Points North Foundation is pleased to fund the installation of solar power to Bend-Redmond Habitat homes,” said Joe Ogrinc, director, solar grant partnerships, All Points North Foundation. “The solar installations will not only help families save on their energy bills but hopefully inspire others in the community to harness the power of solar to save costs and positively impact the environment.” With Habitat’s homeownership program, families & individuals complete volunteer “sweat equity,” participate in financial education, and attend homeownership preparedness classes. When those requirements are fulfilled, prospective buyers purchase their home with a traditional 30-year mortgage.
Habitat leverages grants and fundraising to cover the difference between construction costs and what a working-class household can afford. Each new Habitat home provides a deserving family with a brighter future–with the pride, safety, educational attainment, and wealth wealth-building opportunities that go along with homeownership.
