HOLYOKE — South Holyoke Homes, a Holyoke Housing Authority development under construction, is taking applications from families interested in buying their own homes.

Centered around vacant lots near Carlos Vega Park on Clemente Street, South East Street and Hamilton Street, the 20 units, in three-story duplex homes, are under construction. Three- and four-bedroom units with low-cost utilities, brand-new appliances, private backyards and off-street parking will be available.

South Holyoke Homes is the culmination of community advocacy to build housing on city-owned lots and identifying home ownership opportunities as important. U.S. Census data shows that South Holyoke has the highest percentage of renter-occupied housing of any neighborhood in Massachusetts, outside of Boston. Having so much rental housing is seen as inhibiting economic mobility and community investment.

“We are so thrilled to complete what we set out to do: give families a chance to own their own home in South Holyoke,” Housing Authority Executive Director Matt Mainville said in a statement. “By providing these families with an opportunity to invest in the neighborhood, not only do we see a physical transformation from vacant blocks to brand new housing, but we are also creating an opportunity to build generational wealth.”

Applicants’ household income must be below the stated limits as set by Housing and Urban Development, be first-time homebuyers, and have a mortgage pre-approval to submit with their application. Households that require one-bedroom are not eligible.

Those interested can apply online at southholyokehomes.org and should go to southolyokehomes.org/events for more information.

Funding for the project comes from MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builder Program, Holyoke’s American Rescue Plan Act money and the Holyoke Housing Authority.

Open houses and information sessions will be held in May and June.

Amherst project

The CommonWealth Builder Program is also providing $9.9 million in financing for the development of Amherst Community Homes in North Amherst, which is creating 30 new condominiums for purchase by moderate-income, first-time homebuyers.

Valley Community Development is developing these new homes in 15 duplex buildings, with 10 of the units restricted to homebuyers earning up to 80% of area median income and 20 restricted to homebuyers earning up to 100% of area median income.

“This project will turn an underutilized area in the town into 30 brand new homes for first-time homebuyers,” MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay said in a statement. “The people who purchase these homes will be able to set down roots in Amherst and begin building wealth, along with all the other benefits of homeownership.”

In addition to funding from MassHousing, Greenfield Cooperative Bank is providing $4 million in construction financing and Amherst is providing $1.475 million in Community Preservation Act and Affordable Housing Trust Fund financing.