While 2015 has just begun, it’s already shaping up to be a big year for Habitat for Humanity of Montezuma County.

In December, the organization purchased three new, but incomplete homes in Cortez for volunteer-led rehabilitation projects.

The organization is currently fundraising and recruiting volunteers to help bring the houses to completion. While the group has had strong traction with its Brush With Kindness projects – a volunteer-led home repair service for elderly and needy residents – the home rehabilitation projects are a major milestone for the non-profit.

“This is by far the biggest project HFHMC has undertaken since its formation in 2008,” board president Gary Harding said in a statement.

Barbara Stagg, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Montezuma County, explained that the three homes were purchased via the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and are roughly 80 to 85 percent complete.

“One still needs flooring, one needs exterior painting, all need wiring addressed and fixtures,” Stagg said.

While most know Habitat for building new homes, Stagg says that the organization on a national level is shifting its focus to do more rehabilitation and renovations of existing homes.

“With these three homes, we’re taking three unfinished, unoccupied properties and putting them back on the tax rolls by helping three families in need attain home ownership,” said Stagg.

Now that the homes are purchased, Stagg and the Habitat Board are focusing their efforts on fundraising to purchase materials and volunteer recruitment.

The high end of the budget to rehab the three homes is between $40,000 and $50,000, but Stagg says that number can be reduced when professionals volunteer their services. Habitat is also applying for grants to help with the materials costs.

“Factored into that (budget) are subcontractor fees; for example, if we can’t find someone to operate the Bobcat or do wiring we’ll have to hire someone, so the more skilled volunteers the better,” she said.

While skilled volunteers are desired, all volunteers interested in helping the cause regardless of technical ability are welcome.

Volunteers are also needed for the Habitat for Humanity Sales Center on U.S. Highway 160. Profits raised through the sales center are important to the building efforts of Habitat, Stagg said.

Habitat of Montezuma County will be holding a series of informational meetings in coming months for families interested in being placed in one of the three homes.

Basic eligibility requirements include that the applicant has been a resident of the county for a year, meets income requirements, and is willing to put in “sweat equity” to rehab the property.

Families placed in the homes pay a low to zero-interest monthly mortgage rate, which gets reinvested into more home-building and rehabilitation projects.

For more information on how to volunteer or about qualifying for home placement, call 970-565-8327 or email office@habitatmontezuma.org.