A new partnership will give the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance access to funding that will help the organization develop diverse, affordable housing within the neighborhood.
The alliance is partnering with NeighborWorks America, a federally-certified intermediary that receives a direct appropriation from Congress and distributes the money to organizations within its network. On Thursday, NeighborWorks America presented a $150,000 check during the MCRA’s 25th anniversary celebration which took place in the Baton Rouge General Mid City Atrium.
“We now have access to fund that we have never had access to before,” says Samuel Sanders, MCRA executive director.
Going forward, Sander says the alliance has three goals: triple its operational budget; directly or indirectly produce 500 units of diverse, affordable housing in Mid City; and restore the old Laurel Street fire station and its current headquarters at 419 N. 19th St. The building once belonged to Robinson Brothers Lincoln Mercury and a cotton gin.
Sanders says the partnership presents an opportunity to build affordable housing that will attract everyone.
“The priority is that we need to upgrade the housing stock in the city,” Sanders says.
One of the objectives of NeighborWorks America is improve housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families with its NeighborWorks’ network. In 2015, NeighborWorks America invested $6 billion in local communities, repaired 63,300 homes, and owned and managed 142,600 rental homes. NeighborWorks America also has charter members organizations in New Orleans and New Iberia.
Sanders says MCRA will apply in October of each year to compete for funding through NeighborWorks America.
“The intent is that we will be able to really strengthen the work that we’re doing by having access to additional resource,” Sanders says.
—Alexandria Burris
