Sunny Side with Cindy: Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing for Southern Utah families in need

SOUTHERN UTAH — Sunny 101.5 morning show host Cindy Olson uses her new show “Sunny Side with Cindy” to celebrate the people that make our community a better place to live. In this episode, presented by The Shoppes at Zion, she shines a spotlight on Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah’s efforts to break the cycle of poverty.

Habitat for Humanity is committed to providing safe, decent, affordable housing for qualified low-income families in Washington and Iron counties. Since 1998, the organization has built 24 homes, housed 166 people and contributed 57,000 volunteer hours.

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to expanding affordable housing in this episode of “Sunny Side with Cindy” in the media player above.

“A lack of affordable housing increases intergenerational poverty,” executive director Kayo Skandunas said. “I think we are just barely starting to realize here in St. George the damage that a lack of affordable housing causes.”

Habitat for Humanity provides 0% interest home loans to qualified individuals. Applicants are selected based upon three metrics: financial need, ability to repay the loan and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

“Our homeowners are top-notch,” Skandunas said. “They put in 250 sweat equity hours on the home build.”

Habitat for Humanity doesn’t make a profit on the loan. Rather, the money goes right back into building another home.

However, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in St. George and Cedar City generate the majority of the revenue used to fund local homebuilding efforts. The ReStore accepts donations of gently used household items like furniture and decor, as well as home improvement materials, and will pick up large items. Anyone making a donation can save 10% on their next purchase.

“Here in Southern Utah, we’ve kept 49,000 tons of stuff out of the landfill just this year,” Skandunas said. “This is a great way, really the best way, for your average person in St. George to give back and increase the number of affordable homes we have here.”

Volunteers are the heart of Habitat for Humanity. Learn how you can make a difference at the ReStore or on homebuilding sites at HabitatSWU.org.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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