Remember: our rules allow pointed disagreement, but require respectful discussion.
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Not a new idea, one that is being used and expanded---Habitat Homes
As a trash lady, I see very large differences between the number of extra
carts needed, dirty collection point cleanups and litter problems in rental
Vs homeowner occupied properties. I know that there are neighborhoods that
are working very hard to expand their homeowner base. This has value for
neighborhoods, for community building, for tax base and for livability.
My daughter attends Minneapolis Kids at Richard Green. I have been
astounded at the number of Habitat homes that are being rehabbed, or newly
constructed on infill lots in that neighborhood. The Habitat model, of
having sweat equity supplement scarce cash equity is the way that I got into
my first two apartments. It subsequently aided me into my first home. I
didn't have a lot of cash--but a willingness to work into a place.
Habitat rehab and construction is being SUPPLEMENTED by Hennepin County
Sentenced to Service programs--which are training offenders while they work
on projects of value to the community. This is a multi-win--offenders work
while doing time, making money to pay for child support or start a nest egg
for when they are released. Offenders learn a valuable job skill, useful on
the outside. Offenders work on projects of value to real people and the
community. Offenders develop pride, self confidence and a work ethic. New
owners have an affordable, quality home. Bob Hunter, Hennepin County, has
done a phenomenal job on this effort.
I know that Habitat is working with other Jobs training, Welfare-to-Work,
community driven non-profit programs to leverage volunteer workers with
other workers that are learning job skills. In terms of bang for the buck,
and as an admitted outsider, finding ways to do more of THIS type of
leveraging could go a long way to infilling
This isn't a total solution-------but its a start and it does good things
for affordable housing, neighborhood pride, lowering the stockpile of vacant
lots, helping tax base, etc. Are there ways that we could FURTHER leverage
this program?
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