Saginaw neighborhood to receive helping hands, upgrades

A Saginaw neighborhood soon will be getting a facelift -- thanks to the Saginaw Habitat for Humanity and some willing volunteers.

In mid-August, the organization will begin revitalizating the Northmoor neighborhood, bordered by State, Weiss, Bay, and North Mason. The project is part of Habitat for Humanity International's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, and the Saginaw Habitat for Humanity is one of eight Michigan affiliates participating in the program.

The project, which is expected to last about two weeks, will include upgrades to porches, windows, gutters and other exterior improvements on houses throughout the neighborhood, says Paul Warriner, executive director. Volunteers will do the repairs with help from the homeowners who want to participate in the project.

The revitalization project will help keep some residents in their homes, and also will help alleviate blight, he says.

"The community is made up of neighborhoods," Warriner says. "The community needs to make sure that it's attending to its housing."

Revitalizing individual neighborhoods also helps the entire community, he says. Without good housing stock and clean neighborhoods, it's difficult to keep and attract new businesses.

The project also is a good way for people to get involved in the community, Warriner says. "It is an opportunity for people who want to volunteer."

To get involved, people can call 989-750-5200, or simply show up at the site once work begins in the neighborhood.

Writer: Jenny Cromie
Source: Saginaw Habitat for Humanity