Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Alaska is sponsored by USDA Rural Development. Provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects in rural areas of Alaska.

Mutual Self-Help Housing - RurAL CAP Our Mutual Self-Help Housing program provides rural low-income families with the opportunity to participate in the construction of their single-family homes, earning sweat equity in return for a cost-effective mortgage loan.

In partnership with USDA Rural Development and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, RurAL CAP’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program gives rural first-time homebuyers an opportunity for affordable home ownership with no down payment. The program operates on the principles of sweat equity. Groups of 9-12 participants build one another’s homes, working together under the direction and coaching of a RurAL CAP construction supervisor.

These families must perform at least 65% of the labor and work at least 35 hours per week to build their homes and their neighbor’s homes. No one moves in until all the homes are finished. Once completed, a community of single-family homes replaces the once vacant lots.

The participants’ sweat equity generally eliminates the need for a down payment and reduces the size of their mortgage. * The building process enriches the families and their community.

Families gain new skills, a home with little out-of-pocket expense, a sense of ownership, and affordable mortgage loans with payment subsidies, if eligible, while communities gain an increase in property tax base, a vibrant neighborhood, and an economic boost via the purchase of local building material and the hiring of local subcontractors.

Complete a Pre-Screen Application and Credit Information Release Form found at or at the Soldotna RurAL CAP office. Provide a $35 Application Fee with your Pre-Screen Application, check payable to RurAL CAP. (This helps to offset the cost to pull a tri-merge credit report from a third party credit bureau.)

Mail or drop off the completed forms to our office RurAL CAP’s certified mortgage loan originator: NMLS #396638; Mi’shell French – NMLS #375937 *The 502 direct mortgage loan does not have a down payment requirement, however, there is an asset limitation under this program, which could require funds at closing. A self-help expert will work together with each applicant to review the eligibility requirements of the program. We’ve moved!

Please schedule an appointment at our new location: 130 East Redoubt Avenue, Soldotna Frequently Asked Questions No walk-in visitors. Please call to schedule an appointment. BIA Home Improvement Applications Close Dec.

31 What is the BIA Home Improvement Assistance Program (HIP)? The BIA Housing Improvement Program is a home repair, renovation, replacement, and new housing grant program for American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals and families who have no immediate...