3 families receive keys to homes just in time for Thanksgiving
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
From left, Madera Mayor Pro-Tem Artemio Villegas, Madera Mayor Santos Garcia and City Council member Anita Evans help hold the welcome mats of the Garcia-Pizano, Robles and Cuellar-Anaya families after they received the keys for their Habitat for Humanity homes on Friday.
The City of Madera and Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area (Habitat) held a joint news conference to officially dedicate and hand over the keys of homeownership to the Garcia-Pizano, Robles, and Cuellar-Anaya families.
The dedication of the three homes on Friday completes the five-unit housing development at Washington Avenue and Malone Street.
The City of Madera donated the land and pledged up to $300,000 in down payment assistance, or $60,000 per low-income homebuyer. The Cuellar-Anaya and Garcia Pizano families received a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,450 square feet of living space, while the Robles family received a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,369 square feet of living space. All homes were outfitted with solar panels and energy-efficient appliances.
To be eligible for the program, families undergo a thorough needs evaluation, demonstrate a need, qualify for an affordable home loan, and put in at least 500 hours of sweat equity.
