Mutual Self Help Housing

Northwest Regional Housing Authority offers the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. This program operates in 12 Northwest Arkansas counties: Benton, Baxter, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Izard, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Stone, and Washington.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing (MSHH) Program is a USDA Rural Development Program, sponsored and operated by Northwest Regional Housing Authority. MSHH assists low-income individuals/families in achieving the dream of homeownership through the construction of a new home. Participants contribute “sweat equity,” performing construction tasks to lower the cost of labor, resulting in instant equity in the new home.

Participating families/individuals work together, with a construction supervisor from NWRHA, to build their homes. Our construction supervisors will teach participants tasks, and supervise the job sites, to ensure safety, and that building codes are met.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, or if you or a group would like to volunteer in our Mutual Self-Help Program by helping participants build their homes, please contact us at 870-743-6779.

Funding Sources:

USDA Rural Development - 502 direct Loans

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas - Loans and Grants

Housing Assistance Council - Loans and Grants

USDA Disclaimer 1B:

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, and familial status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write:

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

or call: (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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FAQ

What is Mutual Self-Help (MSHH) housing, and what would it mean for me?

The MSHH Program assists low income individuals/families with constructing a new, energy-efficient, and affordable home. The unique network of program participants, NWRHA, Rural Development, and volunteers work to provide affordable housing in Northwest Arkansas. Program participants provide “Sweat Equity,” reducing labor costs throughout construction. Participants are required to assist in the construction of the homes, learning valuable trade skills, teamwork, and personal achievement. In contributing “Sweat Equity,” program participants will have instant equity upon moving into their brand new home. NWRHA assists program participants in locating suitable land for new construction.

What if I have bad credit or no credit?

If you have negative accounts on your credit history, you will be referred to NWRHA’s Housing Counselor for free credit counseling. If you have no credit, non-traditional credit references such as rent, utilities, car insurance, can be used to build a credit reputation.

How Do I Participate?

NWRHA is now recruiting for the Mutual Self Help Program. For more information or an application, contact Northwest Regional Housing Authority at 870-743-6779, or email selfhelp@nwregionalhousing.org. You must be willing to live in any of the following counties: Benton, Baxter, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Izard, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Stone, and Washington. Benton and Washington County residents must be willing to live in a “rural designation” zone. To participate in the Mutual Self-Help Program, you must be willing to work on your home and other homes in your group.

How do I pay for the new home?

The USDA’s Rural Development Program offers a low-interest, affordable home loan. The loan has no down payment, has a 33-year term (can be 38 for qualified applicants), and may be subsidized for income-qualified applicants. NWRHA first assists with pre-qualifying for the mortgage loan through the USDA Rural Development Program. Once pre-qualified, NWRHA’s Self-Help Housing Specialist will assist the prospective homeowner with obtaining and submitting all loan documents to Rural Development for approval.

What are the qualifications for the loan?

Must be at or below 80% of the area median income level. The annual income cap differs per family size and county. Applicants are not automatically disqualified from applying if they are over the income limit. Deductions may apply in certain situations. Applicants must show a two-year income history, have enough income to offset the total debt, and show creditworthiness.

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