A new Habitat for Humanity housing project in Columbia Falls is making progress, and families should be able to move into the first new units by this fall.

"We've had 3,100 hours of volunteer help so far," safety manager Chris Zahasky said.

Crews have been working on the 1,300-square -foot homes on Wednesdays and Saturdays, he said. The townhomes are being constructed just off the Truck Route, across from the Plum Creek Plywood plant.

The two townhomes currently under construction have about 1,300 square feet of living space and are built to Energy Star standards, Zahasky said.

Construction of another two units is scheduled for September, he said. When the project is completely built out, it will have eight townhomes and 16 units.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, including significant time put in by church groups.

Habitat selects families based on their need, ability to pay a 30-year, no-interest mortgage and willingness to partner with the organization to volunteer 500 hours of "sweat equity" toward the completion of their home.

This project received a federal grant in partnership with the city of Columbia Falls and financial and volunteer support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Wells Fargo, Glacier Bank, Flathead Electric Cooperative and Town Pump are among several local businesses that pledged support for the project.

Zahasky said the project is always looking for volunteers and is still taking applications from interested families. Call the Habitat offices at 257-8800 for more information.