JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The North Riverside Community Development Corporation, Groundwork Jacksonville, United Way and Local Initiatives Support Corporation are spearheading a home repair program, helping people who live in Mixon Town and Lackawanna stay in their homes.
They say those who fall behind on code enforcement standards are at risk of being pushed out of their homes.
There are more concerns the new Emerald Trail Project will push long-time homeowners out of historic neighborhoods downtown.
The first recipients of the home repair project were Annie Daniels and her grandson, Zarian, who’s in a wheelchair.
North Riverside Community Development Corporation President Shirley Thomas said it meant everything to them.
“He would go from his bedroom to the front to watch the TV,” Thomas said. “And they would have to carry home because his wheelchair would not go through the doors,” she added.
Construction crews widened the wall for Zarian and repaired Daniels’ bathroom to address safety concerns.
Groundwork Jacksonville’s Manager of Community Engagement and Equity, Gloria McNair, said this is what the program is all about: improving quality of life.
“When you can’t afford to make certain repairs, that’s when you’re susceptible to opportunistic investors who come along and offer you a cash payout for your home and it’s almost worth it for some people because they can’t afford to make the repairs,” McNair said.
They'll be working on 45 more homes. To qualify, applicants must be up to date on property taxes and live in the home.
McNair said she sees the repairs as anti-displacement strategies.
“We want those residents who live in that neighborhood to be able to remain here and enjoy the Emerald Trail and see it as the amenity they need for their neighborhood, to increase their quality of life, McNair said.”
You can get information about applying for the program by emailing info@groundworkjacksonville.org.