Habitat for Humanity renovates two zombie homes

Flower City Habitat for Humanity has completed two zombie house renovations as part of its Vacant and Abandoned Homes pilot program with the city of Rochester.

The goal of the initiative is to eliminate the growing abandoned home issue, which accounts for more than $11 million in property value losses in Rochester and Monroe County. The partnership has allowed FCHH to acquired seven vacant homes, primarily through the Rochester Land Bank Corp., with funding provided by Enterprise Community Partners.

Each homeowner accomplished more than 300 sweat equity hours doing construction, participating in financial education and home-maintenance classes and other community volunteer activities to earn their homes.

“In addition to sweat equity hours, all Habitat homebuyers participate in financial literacy and home maintenance courses, intending to create sustainable long-term homeowner success,” FCHH CEO Matt Flanigan said in a statement. “We strongly believe that educating homebuyers before they purchase a home is critical, if not the most important part of our process, and will contribute to the eventual elimination of vacant and abandoned properties.”

Completed properties to date include 221 Akron St. and 112 Parsells Ave., as well as this week’s dedications at 46 Del Monte St. and 129 Fernwood Ave. The fifth property in this phase is at 136 Barberry Terrace, which is under construction.

“Today serves as an ideal example of what can be accomplished in our community by working together,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union. “The hard work and dedication of these families and the steadfast commitment from Flower City Habitat for Humanity, its volunteers and the city of Rochester have helped make homeownership a reality today. We at ESL are honored to contribute to this initiative and congratulate all involved for making today possible.”

The latest remodels in the pilot program were made possible by the Rochester Land Bank, with $50,000 per house in funding provided by Enterprise Community Partners and $100,000 from the ESL Charitable Foundation.

“With the completed renovation of these new homes, Flower City Habitat for Humanity has once again proven itself to be a tremendous partner in our efforts to convert zombie properties into high-quality homes for our citizens,” said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren. “Bringing affordable home-ownership opportunities to our neighborhoods helps us create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens. This partnership benefits all of the residents of Rochester, in addition to the families who will live in these beautiful new homes.”

FCHH was founded in 1984 and is a non-denominational Christian housing ministry committed to eliminating substandard and poverty housing in Rochester. FCHH has built or renovated more than 240 homes since its inception here.

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