Sanders County receives land donation for new housing

The Sanders County Community Housing Organization, Inc. recently received a generous donation of land from an anonymous donor and has plans to develop it for senior or workforce housing.

According to Lisa Fried de Reyes, Executive Director of the organization, the donor gave the 1.89 acre plot of land in Novemeber 2020.

"The property is located in Noxon and consists of 12 lots or 1.89 acres," Fried de Reyes said. "SCCHO is still reviewing housing models and tenant models, but potentially, SCCHO will build housing units on the site for senior housing and possibly some workforce housing."

The Community Housing Organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and will look for private and public funds to assist with construction costs and the cost to input a septic system. Since Noxon is in an Opportunity Zone, there is the potential for developers to invest and take advantage of these tax breaks.

The first task for SCCHO is to obtain a site evaluation. Once a housing model is determined, SCCHO will need to obtain a Preliminary Architectural Report and assistance with funding for this report as they can cost nearly $30,000.

Currently, SCCHO provides in the Plains area, 10 housing units to low-to-moderate income households, with a mixture of household types. Included with rent are such amenities as water, sewer, garbage, snow removal and lawn care.

To align with the mission of SCCHO of providing safe and affordable housing to residents of Sanders County, the rent is intentionally kept low at about 60% of Fair Market Rent (as published by HUD USER FY 2021). As a 501 (c)(3), SCCHO is available to accept donations to assist with our mission.

For more information, contact the Sanders County Community Housing Organization at 406-546-7183.