Glass Farms Homeowner, Mrs. Millie, gleams with joy as she watches volunteers complete beautification projects on her home.
As part of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to expand its impact, Habitat launched its Neighborhood Revitalization Program in 2013. This program encompasses community engagement, completion of critical home repair projects and exterior repair and preservation. The intent of Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program is to enhance the quality of life in targeted neighborhoods through partnering with residents, nonprofits, funders, and volunteers.
For the past three years, Habitat focused their revitalization efforts on 34 homes in the Bushtown Neighborhood.
On Saturday, June 4, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area kicked off the first day of NeighborWorks Week, a national celebration of neighborhood revitalization and change, to announce their plans to join forces with Glass House Collective to launch the Neighborhood Revitalization Program in the Historic Glass Farms Neighborhood.
“Glass House Collective has demonstrated their commitment to the Glass Street District and has been instrumental in revitalizing its commercial corridor over the last four years,” said David Butler, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Glass House Collective and resident leaders to continue the resurgence of this district through the launch of our Neighborhood Revitalization Program in the Historic Glass Farms Neighborhood.”
Following the press conference, more than 40 volunteers helped Habitat and Glass House Collectives celebrate NeighborWorks Week by completing a Beautification Blitz in Glass Farms. As part of the Beautification Blitz, volunteers removed weeds, planted trees, flowers, and shrubs, pressure washed sidewalks, painted porches, and mulched everything in sight.
“We have been working primarily on Glass Street's commercial corridor,” said Teal Thibaud, Executive Director of Glass House Collectives. “This year, Glass House Collective has expanded our impact areas along with a growing list of partners. We are excited to dive into the residential aspect of our work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity's Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Through Habitat's work, we will continue bringing life back to Glass Street and the surrounding area.”
Glass Farms Neighborhood Residents interested in having repairs completed on their homes must meet the following qualifications:
· Be a homeowner in the Glass Farm Neighborhood
· Have homeowners insurance and not be in bankruptcy
· Demonstrate true need
· Fall under household income of 80% Area Median Income
· Be willing to pay a small amount at zero interest associated with materials cost
Residential improvement projects in the Historic Glass Farms Neighborhood will begin in late August and applications are now being accepted from homeowners. To apply or learn more about Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program, call 423.756.0507.