Santa Clarita, 10-1-2012: CalVet Sec. Peter J. Gravett (Major General, Ret.) greets Lt. Renard Thomas, who will be the first resident of the new veterans’ village.

The California Department of Veteran Affairs wants to give something back to the men and women who have made sacrifices for our country. CalVet Home Loans is collaborating with Habitat for Heroes, a division of Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley, as they prepare to build two veteran-specific communities.

An 87-home community in Santa Clarita and a 12-home community in Sylmar are planned for veterans who make between $45,000 and $83,650 a year in combined family income.

These eco-friendly, affordable homes will be made available to low-income veterans and their families and families of the fallen.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for veterans living in North Los Angeles County interested in owning a home,” said Peter J. Gravett, CalVet secretary. “Veterans who participate in this program will be able to provide sweat equity, which not only makes the home more affordable, but also gives veterans and their families a sense of accomplishment in knowing they helped build their home. Veterans should get their applications in to Habitat for Humanity as soon as possible so they can hopefully move into their new home within 18-24 months.”

Applications are currently being accepted for homes. Veterans with a minimum combined family income of $45,000 for Sylmar residents and $83,650 for Santa Clarita residents are eligible to apply. Income includes any Social Security and VA disability payments. Veterans accepted for a home will pay no more than 35 percent of their monthly income for their mortgage, tax, Homeowners’ Association fees, insurance and water.

Veterans must also have had an Honorable Character of Discharge.

Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley will provide what they call “enrichment services” for the veterans and their families. These social services will be provided free of charge on-site in the neighborhoods to the families before and after move-in to assist veterans and their families with important life and self-sufficiency skills.

These services include financial training, PTSD Counseling, healing art workshops for trauma victims, education on maximizing connections to all veteran benefits, domestic violence counseling, health and dental screenings, veteran to veteran dialogue, homework help for the children and more.

Call 818-884-8808 or click here to apply for a home.