Shown in picture: Elizabethtown Mayor Pro Tem Rufus Lloyd and Council member Herman Lewis inspect the new porch on one of the homes.
Staff report
Contributed photo
Elizabethtown, NC – The pulse of community rejuvenation beats strong in Elizabethtown as three homeowners embark on transformative journeys towards safer and more secure living spaces. Bladen County’s homes have been revitalized thanks to the Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization.
In a collaborative effort propelled by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered through the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Elizabethtown emerges as a beacon of change and progress. This initiative, fueled by compassion and dedication, stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to uplift and empower every member of the community.
“Every homeowner faced unique challenges, from safety concerns to unhealthy conditions,” revealed Pat DeVane, Assistant Town Manager, speaking of the hurdles overcome by each family. The scars of Hurricane damage from 2018 lingered, posing formidable obstacles to the dreams of safer, more secure living spaces.
The scope of the project embraced the spirit of renewal and transformation, breathing new life into the fabric of Elizabethtown’s neighborhoods. One home underwent a comprehensive renovation, boasting a new roof, kitchen, deck, and windows—a testament to the transformative power of vision and perseverance. Meanwhile, two other homes, standing as symbols of resilience, gave way to new beginnings, rising from the ashes of demolition to welcome the dawn of a brighter tomorrow.
Located in the vibrant “New Town” area and the western reaches of the town, these revitalized homes serve as rays of optimism and renewal across the community. With one family already settling into their freshly rebuilt abode and another on the cusp of completion, the promise of safer, healthier living spaces becomes a tangible reality.
Participation in this transformative endeavor required more than mere desire; it demanded ownership, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with zoning regulations. Yet, for those willing to embark on this journey, the rewards transcend bricks and mortar, offering the priceless gift of security and peace of mind.
The Town of Elizabethtown, recipient of the CDBG-NR grant in 2020, entrusted the administration of this transformative initiative to The Adams Company, Inc. Based in Warsaw, NC, The Adams Company serves as the guiding hand, steering homeowners through the complexities of eligibility certification and supervising the meticulous process of repairs and construction.
As Elizabethtown strides boldly into a future bright with promise, these revitalized homes stand as monuments to the power of community, compassion, and collective action. Together, we rise, forging a path towards a tomorrow filled with hope, opportunity, and the boundless potential of revitalized communities.
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