Four homes in Keizer rented as public housing are going on the market with the help of Habitat for Humanity.

The Salem Housing Authority, which presented its plans to the Keizer City Council on June 16, said the houses will be available to families with household incomes under $111,120.

Two of the units would be remodeled, and two would be sold as is.

“The buildings are aging and would have a longer lasting impact as ownership opportunities rather than rental,” said Sarah Murray, the organization’s public information officer.

The units are off of River Road near the Salem-Keizer border. The organization wouldn’t disclose their exact locations.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that also works to create affordable housing opportunities. It will handle the remodels for two of the properties. 

The other two will be sold by the Salem Housing Authority or in partnership with another organization.

Current residents of the properties will have first right to buy the home. 

If the property is in a Community Business and Education Leaders neighborhood, their referrals will have preference. These referrals would be only for first-time home buyers.

Current renters in the homes’ neighborhood will also be preferred.

Any other partners would also have to agree to these preferences, and Habitat for Humanity has already signed an agreement.

Murray said that federal housing agencies are moving away from public housing programs. This makes federal funding for the Salem Housing Authority unstable. 

“In addition, managing a scattered site portfolio is cost prohibitive on the housing authority,” Murray said.

Converting the units proves more sustainable, Murray said, both for the homeowners and the housing authority.

The organization would need federal approval to move forward with the project, along with approval from the city of Salem.

The Salem City Council is holding a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, July 14, in the Loucks Auditorium, located in the Salem Public Library. 

The Salem Housing Authority expects it will likely take three to five years to sell the four homes. They hope to transfer ownership of the first unit in late 2026.

Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected].

STORY TIP OR IDEA? Send an email to Salem Reporter’s news team: [email protected].

A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE– If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE.