Community Concepts, Inc. is recruiting applicants for its new Built By Me Program, providing residents the opportunity to build a new home in Lewiston or Auburn.
Participants will construct their homes in a group with other participating families. CCI staff will provide support through the process every step of the way, from securing a mortgage loan and purchasing land to constructing the home with a site supervisor.
“We are very excited to be offering this opportunity in Lewiston and Auburn after receiving requests from residents wanting to build in this area for many years,” said Sandy Albert, CCI’s director of housing and energy services, in a news release from the agency. “With the housing crisis being felt across the state, it’s crucial that new and innovative programs be developed to provide families with avenues to homeownership. Built By Me provides just that.”
Once placed in a cohort, participants will work for two days every week until all homes within the group are completed. No construction experience is necessary, and all training will be provided. Participants can expect to complete their own framing, roofing, insulation, siding and more. The foundation, plumbing, heating system and electrical work will be done by professionals.
“The program’s framework is very similar to our Self-Help Housing Program, which CCI has offered for more than 30 years,” said Albert. “Built By Me allows us to expand similar homeownership opportunities to those wanting to live in a more urban area, something that Self-Help Housing cannot provide due to funding constraints.”
Built By Me offers three floor plans from which participants can choose, including one option with three bedrooms and two and a half baths, and two options offering six bedrooms and three and a half baths.
CCI is partnering with local financial institutions to provide 30-year mortgage options for all participants.
Anyone interested in applying for the program, or who have any program-related questions, should contact Program Manager Nina Lake at 207-739-6501 or [email protected].