Affordable housing pilot program celebrates today

The city of Columbus and local not for profit groups will be celebrating a new pilot program for affordable housing today — a home built by high school students on a formerly blighted downtown property.

Eric Frey, with Administrative Resources Association, explains that the Pearl Street property formerly held a condemned home that was an eyesore.

The property now contains a brand new affordable home built by high school C4 students through a partnership between several local agencies including the Southern Indiana Housing Development Corporation, Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center, United Way of Bartholomew County and Heritage Fund: The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.

Frey said the Lincoln Central Homebuyer Program developed through the mayor’s council on safe and affordable housing.

The goal was to help a first time homeowner purchase a property in Columbus — a city with high barriers to entry for new and lower income homeowners.

Frey said that the first attempt has been a success and the group plans to offer a similar opportunity soon.

There will be a celebration today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new home in the 1500 block of Pearl Street.

Frey said that if there is anyone interested in participating in the next effort, you can contact Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center to get the ball rolling.