Habitat For Humanity To Build Five New Affordable Homes In North Philly
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Five low-income families will be moving into affordable homes by the holidays this year, thanks to Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity held a "builders blitz" at the 1900 block of Turner Street.
"In three days we're going to have five houses completely under roof." says Habitat Philadelphia executive director Frank Monaghan.
He says the typical family of four that moves into one of their homes, usually earns between $25,000 and $45,000 a year and there's a tremendous need for affordable housing in Philadelphia.
"We'll have 200 families apply for 10 spots, so the poverty rate in Philadelphia, I think it's 24%." says Monaghan. "I mean, it's as high as any of the large cities in the United States."
Monaghan says providing affordable homes to families helps break the cycle of poverty.
"They'll be able to come home, recharge their batteries; the kids will have a safe place to do their homework and be productive members of society."