Carissa Moran, homeowner services coordinator for Habitat for Humanity serving Cass and Clay counties, told the Human Rights Commission that the affiliate builds homeownership opportunities for households that cannot access traditional mortgages. Moran said Habitat s applications open July 1–Aug. 31 and the selection criteria include documented need, ability to pay within a HUD-based 50–80% area median income range, and willingness to perform 300–550 hours of "sweat equity." "Our houses are not free," Moran said. "The selected family or individual pays a mortgage with escrow." Moran explained that most Habitat mortgages are structured with 0% interest and that the affiliate uses a second, deferred mortgage to cover the affordability gap; donors, Restore sales and partner grants cover funding shortfalls. She said the affiliate builds about four to five homes annually and has completed 78 houses since 1991. Moran said the two largest current obstacles are (1) finding affordable, buildable land in appropriate residential areas and (2) recruiting skilled, retired construction volunteers to lead build-site crews. Commissioners asked whether banks that buy Habitat mortgages charge interest; Moran and a Habitat representative said interest terms depend on the bank and that USDA loans (for eligible rural areas) typically carry low single-digit rates but are not available inside Fargo and other denser jurisdictions. Moran requested city partners help identify lots and encouraged faith groups, banks and volunteers to engage with the affiliate.
