A “Color Country Home­ownership Celebration” is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 193 Jacaranda Way in the Sunrise Meadows subdivision. The festivities are open to the public who can take house tours, enjoy refreshments, games and activities, and receive free information and credit counseling by officials from Color Country Community Housing.

Sunrise Meadows is part of the Color Country Community Housing self-help program that works to build better communities and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Agency (RDA). Color Country has communities in Kanab, UT, Ivins, UT, LaVerkin, UT, Panguitch, UT, and Mesquite.

“Color County is dedicated to elevating the quality of life for individuals and families in the Southwest region (including Southern Nevada, Southern Utah

and Northern Arizona, by developing rural affordable housing opportunities; fostering community partnerships, cooperation and education, and assessing and improving the affordable housing needs of each individual community,” she said.

The Mutual Self Help Program sponsored by Color Country Community Housing, Inc., gives families an opportunity to build their own homes through sweat equity. The housing development, located on the corner of First South and Jacaranda Way, began in 2008. Eventually 60 homes will be included in the area, all built by the willing hands of friends, neighbors, and families.

To qualify for the program, applicants cannot currently own a home and their income must be under 80 percent of the median income for 2010. They must also meet other miscellaneous requirements. To apply or for further information, contact Color Country in St. George, UT, at 435-673-3131, or request an application and information at selfhelp@ccchi.net.