Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is pressing ahead with EdenView, a 71-lot housing development in Hamilton Township just west of Chambersburg that is designed to bring more entry-level single-family homes and duplexes into the county’s strained affordable-housing market. The affiliate has purchased roughly 26 acres along Keefer Road, wrapped up permitting and community outreach, and is getting ready to put infrastructure work out to bid. If the schedule holds, utilities and roads could start going in as early as December, with the first homes appearing in 2027. Local officials say it is one of the largest homeownership-focused projects the area has seen in years.
What Habitat's director said
Mark Story, Habitat’s director of advancement, told LocalNews1 that “there are 71 lots that are being designed that will be used for both workforce and housing,” and that utilities and roads could take about 10 to 12 months to install. He said the homes built with partner families will be entry-level and affordable, and that the affiliate expects home construction to begin in 2027.
Land, layout and neighborhood mix
According to Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, the affiliate purchased roughly 26 acres along Keefer Road and expects the site to yield 71 lots with a mix of single-family detached homes and duplexes rather than high-density townhomes. The organization plans to reserve some lots for other builders to encourage a more varied neighborhood fabric, and says permits and entitlements are in place as staff prepare bids for the infrastructure work. Habitat's project page notes that construction of the first homes is expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Funding and timing
Funding for acquisition and the early infrastructure phase combines local grant awards, state Local Share Account money and proceeds from the affiliate’s ReStore. Franklin County’s IMPACT! Grant program, funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars, helped cover acquisition costs, according to a county release reported on PRWeb. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program distributes gaming-revenue grants for projects in the public interest, per the Department of Community and Economic Development. Habitat has also launched a capital campaign called Finally Home to raise infrastructure capital.
Who benefits and how to get involved
Prospective buyers will be income-qualified, and many will be able to lower their purchase price through “sweat equity,” putting in volunteer hours on their own homes alongside other community volunteers. Habitat credits proceeds from its Chambersburg ReStore and local fundraising with making the project feasible, and the affiliate is asking for donations and volunteers through its Finally Home campaign. Interested families and volunteers can contact the affiliate for eligibility details and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Bids for roads and utilities are being prepared now, and residents should expect visible site activity once contracts are awarded. Questions about EdenView can be directed to [email protected] for updates as the project moves from engineering to construction.
