AHFA Purchases Mortgage for ‘Autism Supportive’ Home

Up-Front Funds Help Tuscaloosa Habitat Speed Up Future Building and Workforce Housing Initiatives

Tuscaloosa Habitat’s first home built in the Milestone neighborhood lives up to its name – it is a key part of the affiliate’s workforce housing initiatives and its second “autism supportive” house to be built.

The home also illustrates AHFA’s 32-year partnership with the Alabama affiliates of Habitat for Humanity. The proven, successful arrangement places low-income families into quality, affordable new homes. Habitat finances construction of a home with a zero percent mortgage loan for the homeowner. AHFA then purchases the mortgage and holds it for the life of the loan.

By monetizing the loan on the front end, Habitat receives the total loan proceeds immediately – instead of over 30 years – and puts the money right back into building more homes.

In addition to these measures of success, the new construction has transformed the lives of its new homeowner, Regina Ivory, and her teenage grandson, Xavier. The two were previously living in a family-owned home until it was condemned, and then in public housing until their own new, two-bedroom home was completed.

“I think Regina Ivory has put in more sweat equity hours than just about any homeowner we’ve had,” said Ellen Potts, executive director of Habitat Tuscaloosa. “She took Xavier in to keep him from going into foster care. She’s an amazing person.”

Accommodations for Autism

To make the home “autism supportive,” Habitat Tuscaloosa worked with Arts ‘n Autism, a local support organization, to determine how to make the house safer for Xavier and how to simplify Regina’s care for him.

For example, the builders added insulation not only to the exterior of the home, but also to Xavier’s bedroom walls as a noise barrier. Dimmer switches throughout the house enable full control of lighting levels. Door locks and a fenced backyard ensure extra safety and prevent wandering, a special concern for the Ivory family since a creek runs behind their house.

Due to her own physical limitations, Regina received special considerations during the design phase as well, allowing her to age in place.

“We try to take into account what matters to that individual, whether it’s a favorite color or replicating a closet from a previous apartment to make it feel familiar,” said Potts. “It’s beautiful to give them choices so that it really becomes theirs. We’re not custom homebuilders, but in these circumstances, we do try to accommodate them as much as possible.”

A Win for Workforce Housing

The Ivorys’ home is the 15th completed as part of Operation Transformation, a multi-pronged plan which combines workforce development with Habitat’s mission of providing affordable homes to those in need.

“Eventually we’ll have 75 homes within a mile of the Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy,” said Potts, explaining how the trade school enables high school students to hone their construction skills. The students have worked on eight houses with the Habitat affiliate so far, learning carpentry, framing, electrical wiring and more. They also work in partnership with Skilled Trades of West Alabama for post-secondary apprenticeships.

“We’re trying to create value and job opportunities in the construction industry where ‘lightbulb’ moments can happen, especially for kids who are hands-on learners,” said Potts. “We hope homes like these will be a catalyst for revitalization and growth in this neighborhood.”