For 13 months, ten families have achieved their dream of owning their own home, by building it themselves.

The new residents of Country Village Estates were handed the keys to their new home on Wednesday, July 27.

Homes for Islanders and USDA Rural Development have helped islanders build a total of 49 “self-help” homes  in San Juan County. There are ten homes currently being constructed and 11 more planning to be built in August.

Homes must be affordable to a moderate-income household.

Residents spend 35 hours a week on constructing their home. The head of the household must contribute 17.5 hours and the other hours may be completed by friends, family and other members of the community.

For more information, call 370-5944 or  visit www.homesforislanders.org.