A partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne has resulted in the rehabilitation of a home set for demolition.
Habitat for Humanity partners with City to rehab house previously set for demolition
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 7, 2021) – A partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne has resulted in the rehabilitation of a home that was set for demolition.
Mayor Tom Henry, joined by Director of Community Development Nancy Townsend and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne Andrew Gritzmaker announced today that a family has moved into a previously vacant home located at 1227 Kinsmoor Ave.
The home was secured by the City’s Neighborhood Code Compliance Department in September of 2012 after the foundation collapsed. It was slated for demolition in May of 2014 because the homeowner could not be reached and no repairs were made.
In December 2015, the City purchased the home and sold it to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne in May 2020. The City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services provided a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan in the amount of $85,000 to help fund the rehabilitation of the home.
“This is an example of the power of the partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne,” said Community Development Director Nancy Townsend. “Together we are building up neighborhoods, one house at a time and one block at a time.”
“A recent report form The Wall Street Journal shared that the U.S. housing market is nearly 4 million single-family homes short of what is needed to meet the current demand,” Andrew Gritzmaker, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne. “New home construction is certainly part of the solution, but we must be mindful of preserving existing housing stock as well. Partnerships like this help maintain historic neighborhoods while meeting the critical need for safe, affordable housing.”
Now, Jacquie Aldrich is moving into her 2,100 sq. ft. home in the Oakdale Neighborhood, which is just a mile down the road from her church, Redeemer Lutheran. Jacquie loves historic homes and is happy to see that much of the beautiful woodwork throughout was able to be salvaged during rehab. She is thrilled to be chosen for this unique opportunity.
“I don’t think words could ever express how grateful and happy we are,” she said. “We wish God’s blessings to each and every one.”
Jacquie’s daughter Morgan graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in the spring and recently started her freshman year of college. Jacquie says one of the things she is most excited about is having a home that she can be proud of, and that her daughter can bring friends over to when she’s home from college.“Homeownership helps provide stability and growth in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m encouraged by the continued partnerships that the City is involved in to assist in making a meaningful difference and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families.”
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