Build Your Own Home

For over 50 years, People’s Self-Help Housing has brought the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to the Central Coast. Over 1,200 homes later, we are still helping families realize the American Dream.

People’s Self-Help Housing secures land and then identify groups of families to build their homes together. This amazing program leverages the time, effort, and sweat-equity of neighbors working alongside each other to transform their hard work into the investment of a lifetime. Used in lieu of a cash down payment, and with the help of an affordable mortgage, this collective effort creates a sense of pride and longlasting connections.

• General Requirements: 
  • Commitment to working 40+ hours a week to building your home
  • Borrower(s) must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Annual household income at least $60,000, good credit and rental history
• Household Income Limits*:
  • Monterey County:
    • 1-4 people: $115,700
    • 5+ people: $125,000+
  • San Luis Obispo County
    • 1-4 people: $111,300
    • 5+ people: $120,250+
  • Santa Barbara County:
    • 1-4 people: $141,200
    • 5+ people: $152,500+
  • Ventura County:
    • 1-4 people: $119,750
    • 5+ people: $129,350+

*Income limits are set by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (Effective May 9, 2025), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (Effective June 18, 2025). They are both updated annually.

For additional assistance, please contact us at homeownership@pshhc.org.

In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, People’s Self-Help Housing is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age,
or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination:

• Write to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20220
• Email: crcomplaints@treasury.gov