At Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, our mission is to create affordable homeownership opportunities for families who might otherwise be priced out of safe, stable housing. For us, affordability goes beyond the mortgage payment—it includes the ongoing costs of living in a home. That’s why sustainability and zero energy are so central to our work. A home that produces as much energy as it consumes dramatically lowers utility bills, creating long-term stability for low-income families. It also aligns with our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities and caring for the environment we all share.

As Vice President of Construction, my role in Timber Cottages was to center equity at every stage—from land acquisition to design and throughout construction. Every decision was guided by the question: how do we create homes that are affordable, sustainable, and healthy for the families we serve? We incorporated Aging in Place features and smart density, designing smaller, efficient homes that reduce costs, boost energy performance, and strengthen both neighbor connections and neighborhood diversity. At Timber Cottages, homeowners will save thousands of dollars each year on utilities, freeing up resources for food, healthcare, and education. Just as importantly, these homes provide a healthy, stable environment—with clean air, consistent temperatures, and freedom from the unsafe or unhealthy conditions many low-income households face.

What makes Timber Cottages special is not just the solar panels or airtight construction—it’s the statement it makes. Net zero is possible in affordable housing, and the benefits of clean, local energy don’t have to be reserved for higher-income households. Sustainable, high-performance homes can also be accessible—and when we build this way, we’re not just constructing houses, we’re building hope, equity, and a healthier future. For our partner families, zero energy homeownership is life-changing: offering stability, dignity, and the foundation to thrive for generations to come.