Three families are potentially moving into homes in Batavia, New York, thanks to a partnership between the City of Batavia and Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County. Through this program, the city sells longtime vacant homes to nonprofit organizations with the goal of combating blight and providing affordable houses to people in need.
Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County recently made plans to renovate houses on Oak, Pearl, and State streets in Batavia, essentially stripping the structures to the studs and rebuilding them, according to the organization’s CEO Jessica Maguire-Tomidy. She said the nonprofit and the city believe that the current housing situation for many families is not acceptable and that the program improves neighborhoods and people’s lives. Work on the three houses will take about a year.
Qualifying families must demonstrate that they need adequate housing, can afford it, and are willing to help renovate the house. Children in families who live in decent housing are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and be active in their communities, Ms. Maguire-Tomidy said.
Carla Cole serves Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates, P.C., as the team lead in its Batavia office. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County.
Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates 