JONESBORO, Ark. – At least 12 families will be able to afford new housing in the next four years thanks to $1.08 million in grant funding made available to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro.
The federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program awarded the funding last week as part of a $7.6 million award to six Habitat affiliates statewide.
Habitat Executive Director Micheal Sullivan said the award is the biggest breakthrough for the local nonprofit that provides low-income families who do not qualify for conventional mortgages with the opportunity for homeownership.
“By a landslide,” Sullivan said. “Since 1992, we’ve completed 19 homes, and we will have our 20th home done this year. To be able to do 12 with one grant is special.”
The City of Jonesboro has partnered with Habitat for Humanity the past half-decade, providing funding through Community Development Block Grants that serve first-time home-buyer assistance. The city’s grants department assists nonprofits, including Habitat in this case, in obtaining opportunities for these larger grants.
Grants Administrator Kimberly Marshall said the grant will tie into another program the city has undertaken, the creation of a land bank, under which individuals can donate or the city can purchase land in neighborhoods city-wide. So far, Habitat has built only in north Jonesboro and West End. With a land bank partnership, Habitat could built homes all over the city.
Mayor Harold Perrin said he is proud of the “partnership between the city and Habitat for Humanity will lead to a nice home for at least 12 families – families that will invest their own money and sweat equity in their homes.”
Sullivan stressed that is part of Habitat’s mission.
“We’re a hand up, not a hand out. We will still follow our mission,” Sullivan said. “The homeowners we partner with still have to have a need for housing, must help build the home, and lastly have to pay a no-interest mortgage.”
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Press Release – City of Jonesboro
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