A New Chapter in Local Housing is About to Begin.

Through a collaborative effort with private-sector partners and municipalities, PAHA is launching a breakthrough project to begin tackling the housing affordability challenges faced by North Idaho’s local workforce. Introducing MIRACLE ON BRITTON.

Miracle on Britton will be a brand-new neighborhood of 28 homes, with the goal of pricing the homes from $290,000 to $430,000. Homes in this price range will provide life-changing opportunities for middle-income households (first responders, teachers, nurses, and industry and service workers) to finally own a decent home—because purchasing a home in Kootenai country should not be limited to the wealthy.

The bold project will showcase how PAHA plans to manage deed-restricted (Shared Equity Homes) homes, unveiling our blueprint for Fee Simple shared equity homes. The goal is to construct 28 Fee Simple homes. Fee Simple Shared Equity homes provide a fair return and wealth creation, as well as stability for the homeowner, while building healthy neighborhoods for the community.

PAHA will manage the deed restrictions that will include: 1) specific household income and asset limits; 2) primary residence requirements; and 3) resale restrictions to keep the homes affordable every time the home sells

For households earning about $75,000 to $126,000, homeownership will be possible through Deed Restricted Fee Simple homes, where the land and home are sold together at below market prices. In this case, developers/builders commit a small portion of their proposed developments to deed-restricted homes. In return, the county and local cities provide incentives like greater density and reduced fees for these Shared Equity homes. This win-win lets developers build starter homes at prices our hard-working citizens can afford, which benefits whole communities.

Collaboration between the private market and city/county governments is the feasible way to build these homes. By unleashing the private market's potential, this inventory of Shared Equity homes will become a reality.

Miracle on Britton Partners

Your generous gift can make it happen.

Your tax-deductible donation will give hard-working people in our community the chance to afford a home, a dream that would otherwise be impossible.

Learn how you can support this project. Please contact Executive Director Maggie Lyons at maggie@pahaid.org or 208.659.3477.
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Thank you!

"I am a 26-year-old CDA native. My boyfriend was also born and raised here. We both work for Northwest Specialty Hospital and absolutely treasure our jobs and coworkers. We want to try to find a way to stay [in North Idaho]. We usually get discouraged, but this opportunity brings hope!"

- One of dozens of similar stories shared by people applying for a home.

Why "Miracle on Britton"?

Mix of Homes QA Presentation for Applicants

What is the primary purpose?

To launch Kootenai County on a journey to make available homes that local workers can afford to buy.

What will be the impact?

The immediate impact is 28 families will be living in beautiful homes they call their own. The longer-term impact is to provide a blueprint for restoring homeownership opportunities for local workers living in Kootenai County.

How far along is the project?

Lots are fully developed and construction on 28 new homes is approved and ready to begin. This project is already a reality, but we need your help.

Is the land secured?

PAHA purchased all 28 lots in August 2023, through a promissory note at 5% interest only carried by the seller. The note will be repaid as lots sell with the homes.

How Will Britton Be Funded?

We are relying on a new approach that includes forward-thinking partnerships together with donations and gifts.

Are these low-quality, government subsidized homes?

No, they are designed by architects, developers and builders with the goal of being beautiful and part of a neighborhood everyone would be pleased to live in. We are currently working with a developer/builder to build all 28 homes.

What about mortgage loans?

We are working with several lenders who understand the desperate need for and importance of home ownership for our middle income families. One lender has committed to providing all-in-one construction loans at zero fees for buyers.

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