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Mutual Self-Help Housing


Construction at Cherokee Estates.

Completed home at the Pallisades subdivision.

Move-in day!

Are you interested in owning your own home?

More than just build houses, self-help housing stimulates local economies, establishes credit, and builds new skills, self-confidence, and community.

CHIP is currently accepting applications for the following:

Palm Crest Village Subdivision
 Thermalito (Oroville area)
Download the Pre-Application (English)

Locust Subdivision
Gridley (Butte County)
Download the Pre-Application (English or Spanish)

Blair Estates Subdivision
Orland
Download the Pre-Application (English or Spanish)

Ledgerwood Subdivision
Orland
Download the Pre-Application (English or Spanish)

Since its inception in 1981, CHIP’s Self-Help Program has assisted nearly 1,500 households in the counties of Butte, Tehama, Shasta, Sutter, Glenn, and Lassen, to achieve their dream of home ownership. By utilizing the mutual self-help method of construction, households partner together to build their homes with the technical assistance provided by CHIP construction supervisors. Each household’s labor becomes their down payment, commonly referred to as “sweat equity”. Groups of 6-10 participants are formed to construct the homes over an 8-10 month period. With the help of family and friends, each participant must contribute a minimum of 30 hours per week until completion of all the homes in the group. No construction experience is necessary.

An eligible participant must have income that falls at or below 80% of the Area Median Income for the area, and must also demonstrate repayment ability. The participant must have acceptable credit, must be a first time homebuyer, and must plan to occupy the home as their primary residence. Participants also must possess a willingness to attend group meetings and to work cooperatively with other participants towards the common goal of homeownership and community.

CHIP's self-help program helps low-income households become homeowners:

  • Affordable financing packages
  • Excellent construction supervision
  • Quality, energy-efficient homes

More than just build homes, self-help construction builds neighborhoods and community. Let us help you become a homeowner today!

If you are interested in this opportunity and reside within our service area, please contact us to place your name on our interest list.

Visit the urban and rural self-help housing program pages to learn more.