In the next year at least 14 families will get to build their own part of the American dream in Castle Rock. Next spring, the Lower Columbia Community Action Council (CAP) plans to start work on its latest Self-Help Housing subdivision for low- to moderate-income families. The homes will be built on an old Little League field near the city's water treatment plant. The goal, officials said, is to allow families to build quality homes they otherwise couldn't afford. CAP built another subdivision in Castle Rock several years ago, but those homes were smaller and don't have all of the features now available. CAP has wanted another project in the city for some time, said coordinating manager Marie Robbins. Applications are still being taken for the project, which officials hope to build in two stages of eight homes each. The land they own now -- 100 Michner Street SW -- has room for 14 lots but they hope to buy two more nearby for a total of 16. While not intentional, the CAP project is part of a recent Castle Rock boom that includes up to 200 conventionally financed homes in or near the city. Similar CAP subdivisions are underway in Kalama and Napavine. Two more are planned in West Longview -- on 36th and 44th avenues -- and those are still taking applications. Since 1989, the program has helped families build 341 homes in Cowlitz, Lewis and Clark counties. Robbins said many people have the wrong idea about the program and affordable housing in general. The income limit for a family of four is $44,000, for example, which is a good salary but not always enough to pay the bills and buy a home with conventional financing. "People hear it and think it's housing for people on welfare. And while there's nothing wrong with helping people on welfare, they can't afford these homes and loan payments," Robbins said. "These are your children or your neighbors (building these homes). And the families work for everything that they get." The program helps families qualify for low-interest loans. Families and friends must commit to 30 hours a week of work until the homes in their project are completed. Loan payments are adjusted based on income, and training is available for all of the work. An on-site supervisor also oversees the projects, which generally take a year to 15 months. All of the homes are at least three bedrooms. There is no down-payment required, and mortgage payments do not start until a family moves in. Applicants must meet credit guidelines, but CAP can help people improve their credit scores. About one in five applicants qualify, Robbins said.