St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity and The Starter Home Project Honored with Regional Impact Award

“At St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (SCVHFH), we help people with affordable housing. In this current market, that's getting harder to do as the cost of materials, land and lending increase,” said SCVHFH executive director Kristie Smith. “So as a partner in The Starter Home Project, lenders, realtors, landowners, and sub-contractors bring their skills, expertise and opportunities together, each bringing a reduction in costs, to help create a truly affordable home.”

That intentional purpose and deliberate action to better the lives of others makes Momentum West proud to honor St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity and The Starter Home Project with its Regional Impact Award.

The project provides recipients with a beautiful, simple home that was sold at cost vs. fair market value, allowing it to remain affordable for decades to come through a deed restriction that accompanies the mortgage.    

A Chance to Secure Housing They Can Afford

Growing up, Smith knew the struggles her mom experienced as a schoolteacher raising four daughters. Her family rented and moved quite often, an experience that has enabled Smith to empathize with others in similar situations. 

“I believe everyone deserves safe and affordable shelter.  Hard working people supporting our communities as laborers, healthcare workers, police and fire teams and so many others struggle to become homeowners due to a housing market that is out of reach for so many,” she said, especially as the National Association of REALTORS reports that the average age of a first-time homeowner has soared to 40, a record high. 

“I am passionate about the connection to better health, better educational outcomes, and better access to food because of the direct correlation affordable housing has on people's lives. There are so many people who feel the same,” she said. “Every day they show up and ask how they can help. The Starter Home Project is one solution bringing all of these people together, focused on offering our neighbors a chance to secure housing they can afford.”   

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity plans on bringing this model and opportunities it is creating to other counties and new partners, including other Habitat for Humanity affiliates as well as other municipalities so even more affordable homes can be created and brought to market.  

“We are grateful to be among so many amazing Momentum West members who care about each other and work to achieve these goals,” she said.