LEAP housing is creating affordable housing units in Teton County, and those interested in buying and building their own home can apply to the program now.  

LEAP Housing is an Idaho-based nonprofit whose mission is to develop and preserve affordable housing while providing services to increase housing stability. It has partnered with groups in Boise, Nampa and Mountain Home to build affordable housing. For the first time, the nonprofit is making its way to eastern Idaho. 

The nonprofit is partnering with Sustainable Trades + Housing Partners, an affordable housing organization based in Driggs, to build a housing community of eight homes in Victor.

The selection process for homeowners will begin immediately, and interested individuals can apply on the LEAP Housing website. 

Who qualifies for affordable housing units through LEAP Housing?

Applicants must meet income requirements. Only income-qualified homebuyers at or below 80% of the area median income are eligible for the program. For example, a household of four making $68,300 or less would qualify for the homeownership opportunity. 

According to LEAP Housing, the buyers are the builders, meaning those participating in the program will build their own homes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Mutual Self Help Program. The federal program brings below-market rate interest loans to home buyers and credits them with the sweat equity contributed directly to the project. 

This is the first USDA Mutual Self-Help program project LEAP is working on, LEAP Housing asset manager Becca Mathias told the Sun. 

Teton Region native Lindsey Love leads Sustainable Trades + Housing Partners and will direct and train each homeowner on building the homes. 

“The development is a beacon of hope for many in the community who have struggled with housing affordability,” Love said in a press release. “These homes will not only provide housing stability in our community but will also empower residents by involving them directly in the construction process. By building their own homes, future homeowners will gain valuable skills and a sense of ownership and pride in their community.”

LEAP Housing will oversee the development of the affordable housing community. They will guide and support homebuyers during the construction process. 

Bart Cochran, CEO of LEAP Housing, said this project is a significant step forward for Victor and Teton County. 

“We are committed to providing affordable housing solutions that are both sustainable and community-driven,” Cochran said in a press release. “These homes represent our dedication to innovative, eco-friendly building practices and the empowerment of residents throughout the state of Idaho.”

Cochran said this housing model is collaborative, and it serves to inspire other communities to address the affordable housing crisis with innovative and sustainable solutions. 

“Through partnerships, endurance, and unused funding pools, it is possible to create affordable housing in resort and rural communities throughout Idaho,” he said.