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Repairing Unidentified Homes

Global Extreme Poverty

I'm trying to find a project that people will be willing to do. My last project wasn't a success since only 3 of about 30 went along with my energy posters. So, I've been trying to find something worthwhile and will make a huge impact on our town. By my school, there are many homes that are run down and the majority have been boarded up since many of them were drug houses. Some of these houses people don't even know who they belong to. This is a huge issue and with our Anniversary (50th) coming up, I'd like to start fixing these up. Now, our school has already bought some of them and is reparing them, but there are still so many that need to be repaired and put back on the market. Now, the question is, where do I start? GIVE ME ANYTHING TO WORK WITH, I'M ALL EARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Rehabbing Homes

A good first step would be to get information from your city or county's housing department. Often, your local government will provide incentives for new homeowners and those who are repairing vacant homes.

Here in Baltimore, there are many programs which provide grants and loans for renovating vacant property. Some cover a portion of the downpayment or cost of repairs, while others provide a mortgage at a reasonable rate.

Also, try HUD, the federal housing agency responsible for urban development. HUD provides grants to your city or state to encourage development in distressed communities. The grant funds are often earmarked for nonprofit organizations, so this could be an option.

Re: Repairing homes

I think the next step could be getting involved with rebuilding the homes. Kind of like habitat for humanity. Get others in your community involved and make the whole neighborhood take part.

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