Northeast News
January 18, 2011

Thanks to housing grants, Kansas City neighborhoods will receive $740,000 to rehabilitate existing properties and homes.

In addition, the City Union Mission and Community America Credit Union received a $457,000 grant to improve the Family Center campus.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II announced the details of the grants during a Jan. 13 press conference at City Union Mission. The housing grants were awarded through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which returns 10 percent of its net income to its communities each year.

“This economy has wreaked havoc on some of the most vulnerable in our community, including a growing number of children,” Cleaver said. “This is an example of public-private partnerships working together to keep families safe and to breathe life back into neighborhoods struggling to rebound from the housing crisis and job loss.”

The large number of foreclosed properties in Kansas City has negatively impacted neighborhoods and home values across the city. It’s estimated that 12,000 homes are available for sale with many of the properties being vacant for up to two years.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Kansas City, Inc. and U.S. Bank will use $283,000 in grant funds to rehabilitate those homes, making them available to low-to-moderate income families that otherwise may not have been able to afford the home and the work required to make it safe and livable.

“This project is crucial in promoting community sustainability, maintaining property values and preserving housing stock for existing and future generations,” said Mark Stalsworth, president and chief executive officer of Neighborhood Housing Services of Kansas City, Inc.

As for City Union Mission’s Family Center, that project includes the maintenance of 48 homeless housing units. Currently, the buildings need maintenance in several areas, including re-roofing and restoring exterior walls. For City Union Mission, this grant is vital.

“The AHP grant will complete the funding for this project,” said City Union Mission Executive Director Dan Doty, “and enable City Union Mission to continue providing a warm place to stay for individuals and children.”