Southern Indiana Business Report
PIKE COUNTY – Two organizations recently pledged financial support to Pike County’s Affordable Housing Program, an effort launched by the Pike County Economic Development Corporation to identify and improve blighted properties.
Arevon announced a commitment of $25,000 Aug. 14. The Being for Others Foundation awarded $25,000 to the program Aug. 11.
Currently, the total committed funds for the Pike County Affordable Housing Program total $62,000 with a few outstanding requests.
“We are so grateful to have support from Arevon and the Being for Others Foundation grant to springboard this program. Last year, we used $25,000 to clean up a blight property in Petersburg with the Pike County Community Foundation grant and realized there is such a need to continue this program long-term,” said Ashley Willis, executive director of Pike County Economic Development. “We will be able to make a much greater impact with these contributions.”
The program will identify blighted properties, clean up the property and work with developers to build or renovate new, safe, affordable in-fill housing opportunities. This program is not affiliated with government subsidized workforce housing programs.
By removing blighted housing and creating opportunities to add housing, Willis said the program has the potential to increase population, raise assessed value and build community pride.
A committee from Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. has started working to identify blighted properties in Winslow, Otwell, Spurgeon and county-wide to increase affordable housing opportunities throughout Pike County.
To learn more, contact Ashley Willis at [email protected] or 812-354-2271.