Council backs 14 Habitat homes on Hamilton and Summer Streets

The City Council adopted Resolution 26:317 on July 21 to amend HOME Partnership grant budgets for several years and allocate funds to build 14 Habitat for Humanity homes on Hamilton and Summer Streets in the Fourth Ward. The measure passed 8-0 with one absence.

Councilwoman Cotton said the parcel had been vacant for 25 years and urged residents to submit Habitat applications now that the program was moving forward. "When you get a home through Patterson Habitat it's zero interest," Cotton told residents, encouraging applicants to seek credit counseling through the organization.

Council members who represent the Fourth Ward described the vote as part of a broader effort to address the city's affordable housing needs. Councilman Mendes and others emphasized the department-level committee review earlier in the month and said the funding consolidates multiple fiscal-year allocations into a single program to advance construction.

The resolution modifies allocations spanning FY2017 and FY20202024 as reflected in the council packet and makes the administration responsible for coordinating with the Habitat affiliate on application outreach and construction scheduling.