Representatives from the Habitat for Humanity, Wells Fargo Bank and Central Community Church, along with city officials and other donors, were able to break ground on three new homes using private and public funds, as well as land from the church.

The City of Fresno has announced its partnership with Habitat for Humanity in building three new homes in western Fresno.

The partnership, which will result in new houses in the area, marks the first of its kind in the area. At a Friday press conference at the site of the new homes at 4594 N. Barcus Ave., Mayor Lee Brand expressed his excitement over the project.

“What makes this partnership so unique is the dynamics of the partners—this is all about collaboration,” Brand said. “We have the church donating the land, we have the private sector donating funds to help with the project cost, we have nonprofits working together with not only the families of the area, but the entire neighborhood, too. This is a win, win, win for our community.”

Along with the City of Fresno and Habitat for Humanity, further funding for the project came from Wells Fargo, PG&E and Central Community Church, who donated the land. Fresno’s $445,000 contribution came from the city’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a Federal block grant.

“This is, to me, the essence of community—folks coming together to share one thing in community,” said Habitat for Humanity Fresno County CEO Matthew Grundy. “All these folks just believe that everyone deserves a decent place to call home.”

Construction is expected to begin this fall and is expected to be completed by the same time 2019.