Blog

In 2016, the City of Hazelwood partnered with Habitat for Humanity St. Louis to form the Neighborhood Revitalization Program in 2016. The program with eventually provide 12 low-to-moderate income families the opportunity to purchase their own home.

After the City of Hazelwood acquires vacant homes and blighted lots, the City transfers them to Habitat for the construction of new homes. Hazelwood has acquired 11 lots on which 12 homes will be built. Structures on eight of these properties will need to be demolished.

Phase One of the program is underway with building five new homes in the Ward 6 area. Construction of the first house began on Sept. 30. A second home was built in less than two weeks during November as part of a “Home 4 the Holidays” promotion involving Habitat and KMOV-TV News 4 (CBS) and made home ownership possible for another hard-working family in time for the 2016 holiday season.

The Phase One structures should be finished by early spring 2017. Construction on the remaining seven homes for Phase Two is

expected to begin by summer 2017 and be finished by the end of the year. Habitat is utilizing HOME grand funds for the design and construction costs.

The partnership between the City of Hazelwood and Habitat open the door to home ownership for many families that may not qualify through other means. In addition to a down payment and a 30-year affordable mortgage, each homeowner is required to invest 350 “sweat equity” volunteer hours to help build the house. They also sign-up to take several life skill classes.

The City benefits because of the reinvestment in a local neighborhood helps improve the housing stock, increase property values, reduce crime, and enhance the aesthetics and pride in the community. Increasing the city’s population gives Hazelwood a better chance of receiving more federal funding when the 2020 U.S. Census is taken.

Habitat for Humanity St. Louis built its first two homes in 1988.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us