NECAC to do Housing Assessment of Cities and Towns in Nine Counties

The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is doing a housing assessment of cities and towns in nine counties with the goal of providing a roadmap that communities can use to identify and address needs.
The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment will target communities that want to address current housing and ensure residents have access to safe, affordable and quality homes.
NECAC is sending packets with information to leaders in each community in Lewis, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph and Shelby counties. The assessment is free to those which agree to participate.
“Studies like this usually cost communities a lot of money,” said NECAC Deputy Director for Housing Development Programs Carla Potts. “So, what we’re going to do is provide them with information on where they are now, identify any gaps and highlight public and private programs that can bridge those gaps.”
The assessment is funded by a $25,000 grant from NeighborWorks America, a Congressionally-chartered and funded not-for-profit organization that helps communities with development efforts. NECAC has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks since 2004.
NECAC will tally the assessment answers. Depending upon the number of participants, the project is expected to take up to six months. Communities will be asked about recent housing studies, existing codes and ordinances, vacant lots and buildings, new home construction, rehabilitation of existing houses, ownership programs that are offered locally, infrastructure support, civic participation and programs for special needs populations such as seniors and veterans.
“Once we’re done, we’ll have a picture of every community in Northeast Missouri,” Potts said. “We’ll have a better handle on what the housing needs are. We will provide that information to our cities and towns and let them decide how they want to proceed. NECAC will be there to offer support and information about how communities can apply for funding.”
Potts said NECAC is recognized as a national leader in housing and homeownership opportunities. Since 1997, the agency has been a partner in the construction, renovation, management or planned development of 1,300 apartments and homes for the elderly, families and the disabled in 27 Missouri communities. The developments represent an investment of more than $77 million in quality, affordable housing. NECAC also works with public and private investment partners to develop homeownership programs.
More information about the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment is available by calling Potts at 573-324-6622.