Dear Friends of Benton Habitat for Humanity,

Over the past three years, a community volunteer team has been busy designing Hilltop Village on 3.13 acres donated to Benton Habitat for Humanity by David and Jean Kliewer. Hilltop Village will be a low-density, mixed-income neighborhood with 18 lots. Habitat for Humanity partner homes will be built on 12 lots. The remaining six lots will be sold to help finance infrastructure construction. Located just west of NW Highland Drive, the Hilltop Village neighborhood is close to urban amenities such shopping, schools, and community services and also enjoys attractive natural features including 6 ½ acre Forest Dell Park, several pocket-parks and paths, and a gentle southeastern hillside with building lots positioned for solar orientation.

      
HILLTOP VILLAGE Q & A

Q.WHAT’S NEXT?

A. Benton Habitat for Humanity is seeking Investors and Partners in the Hilltop Village campaign for infrastructure (the underlying system of roads, walkways, utilities, paths, and community green areas).  Together, Investors and Partners will produce a long-term mix of housing options and a well-planned green neighborhood that improves opportunities for hardworking residents and families and creates a healthier community for everyone
o INVESTORS  - Community members, businesses, and organizations who donate money, equipment, or materials to Hilltop Village are investing in immediate and future affordable homes in Corvallis.   Tax write-offs are available since BHfH is a private 501(c)(3) organization.   Investors and Partners will also receive special recognition for their contribution.    
o PARTNERS  – Volunteers, professionals, and skilled workers who directly participate in developing the infrastructure for Hilltop Village are meeting particular NEEDS by contributing their particular INTEREST-SKILL-ABILITY.  This results in very rewarding experiences and special public recognition.

Q. WHAT’S THE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE?

A. The following timeline is dependant on assembling adequate funds and partnerships.
2009-2010           Final engineering and permitting process
Spring 2010         Ground breaking for Hilltop Village infrastructure.  
Early 2011           Habitat home building begins.

Q. HOW CAN I HELP?

A. With a very small staff, the success of Benton Habitat for Humanity is dependant upon an ongoing cycle of partnerships and investments by people from many segments of the community!  
#1 NEED – Funding for infrastructure (See the next question for details.)
#2 NEED – Partnerships with volunteers, professionals and skilled workers who can provide in-kind expertise in several areas.
 
LAND DEVELOPMENT
>hillside excavation
>public utility installation
>forestry practices
>engineering
>surveying and platting
>environmental assessment
>erosion control
>clearing trees and land

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
>real estate law
>residential land trusts
>creating an HOA & CC&Rs

GREEN LIVING
>green building
>solar applications
>low-water landscaping
>organic gardening
>reuse and refurbishing
>transportation alternatives

NEIGHBORHOOD LIFESTYLE PLANNING
>interactive neighborhood
>mixed income dynamics
>pedestrian friendly architecture
>affordable lifestyle options

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
>informational materials
>managing websites
>grant writing

Q. HOW MUCH WILL INFRASTRUCTURE COST?

A. Current market-based estimates are $1.4 million dollars.  Future sales of the six market lots will help recoup some of the infrastructure costs.  Nonetheless, the entire amount, in funds and commitments for materials and in-kind donations is needed before infrastructure can begin.  This is a big undertaking but the cost savings and efficiency of building 12 Habitat homes on a large donated parcel make this a more affordable project, over time

Q. HOW MANY BHFH HOMES WILL THERE BE IN BENTON COUNTY?

A. With the completion of Hilltop Village, BHfH partners, investors and volunteers will have built 40 homes in Benton County.  To date, BHfH has also funded 32 homes in the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Honduras.  Along with Habitat for Humanity affiliates around the world more than 280,000 simple, decent, and affordable homes have been built world wide.

Questions or comments?  Contact Carolyn Miller at (541)752-4537, or [ email ].