Via: defendernetwork.com
Houston’s Habitat for Humanity is working to bring hope to blighted areas, and thanks to a $1.4 million stimulus fund, they’re starting with foreclosed and abandoned properties in Fifth Ward. Construction began on the first three of 17 homes to be built with funding from the City of Houston’s allocation of federal stimulus dollars under the Neighborhood Stabilization Project (NSP).
The funding was authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help prevent or stem the decline in communities affected by abandoned and foreclosed homes.
Houston Habitat will receive $1,445,000 from the City of Houston to construct 17 homes on the sites of foreclosed and abandoned properties in the Fifth Ward area. Each house is allocated a “hard cost” of $85,000, according to Houston Habitat Executive Director Algenita Davis.
“This is a great opportunity from the City of Houston to help lower-income families fulfill the dream of home ownership,” she said.
The “NSP” kicked off on Oct. 11 between the 1800-2000 blocks of Pannell Street with more than 400 volunteers and community leaders coming together to work side-by-side with Habitat homebuyers who clock “sweat equity” hours to help defer down payment costs.
“I cannot imagine a better use of NSP funding than cleaning up distressed lots and replacing eyesores with brand-new homes occupied by families who are willing to work hard to become tax-paying homeowners and help create bright futures for their children and their children,” said Doug Garrison, chairman of the Houston Habitat Board of Directors.
Houston Habitat builds homes for purchase by lower-income Houstonians who otherwise would not qualify for conventional of traditional government mortgages. Loans carry zero interest; down payments are deferred via “sweat equity” requirements and other assistance programs; and homeowners are offered classes in personal financial management and home maintenance.
“Thanks to the American taxpayer, the City of Houston, and the hundreds of volunteers who help make these new homes more affordable by providing free labor for non-trade construction, 17 blighted properties in the Fifth Ward will be replaced by attractive, three-bedroom homes with garages and a yard,” Davis said. “But even more importantly, 17 families will have a place to call home, a place to raise children and a place to feel safe,” she added.
Anyone interested in volunteering to build is urged to visit houstonhabitat.org or call 713-671-9993.
DEFENDER NEWS SERVICE
