Self-Help Housing Program

Tired of Renting and Not Having a Home to Call Your Own?

Alaska Community Development Corporation can help turn your dream of owning a home into a REALITY!

  • 7 homes were built in Palmer during 2002
  • 25 homes were built in Settler's Bay near Wasilla from 2003 through 2008
  • 8 homes were built in Houston during 2009
  • 8 homes were recently completed in Palmer in 2010
  • There are currently 8 more homes in Palmer in development today!

Click Here to download an application!

No Down Payment, and Affordable Mortgage Payments (including taxes & insurance) that are between $700 to $1100 (depending on family gross income.)

  • Contact Alaska Community Development Corporation today

  • for more information at (907) 746-5680

  • or visit our office at

  • 1517 S. Industrial Way, #8

  • Palmer, Alaska 99645

  • or via email here

Click Here to download a brochure with answers to many questions about the Self-Help Program

About the Self-Help Housing Program

This program is funded by USDA Rural Development with support assistance through Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and Housing Assistance Council (HAC).

Self-Help Housing is a group method of home construction available to limited-income households. Eligible households qualify for low-interest loans and work together in groups to build each other's homes. Approximately 65% of the construction labor is provided by the group under the direction of a construction coordinator. The remaining labor is subcontracted out.

The Self-Help Housing Program is available to qualified households in the low-income and very low-income categories (see income guidelines below.) Priority will be given to very low-income households. Priority may also be given to special needs housing for families with elderly or disabled members.

Annual Income Guidelines for the Mat-Su Borough

Family Size Very Low-Income Low-Income
1 Person $28,950 $46,300
2 Person $33,050 $52,900
3 Person $37,200 $59,550
4 Person $41,350 $66,150
5 Person $44,650 $71,450
6 Person $47,950 $76,750

Participant families must contribute at least 30 hours per week toward construction of participant family homes, under the direction of the construction coordinator. A typical construction schedule would be from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. This schedule is subject to change based on the participant families mutual agreement.

House plans - Are typically ranch and two-story style, 2, 3, or 4-bedroom homes with an attached garage. Energy efficient design and construction. 5 Star Energy Rating.

Contact our staff below if you have any questions:

Position Name Email
Self-Help Coordinator Phyllis Shafer Click Here to Email
Construction Coordinator Pete Byrne Click Here to Email