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[narrator] Despite the weak economy, construction is still
going strong in this Columbus, Ohio neighborhood
which needs a turnaround.
[drill sound]
[guy] What we did on this property was
a full gut renovation.
We also did an addition on the property also.
[narrator] Five years ago, the nearby
United Methodist Church for All People
fixed up one house.
This year, with private and government grants,
they will makeover almost 50, says Pastor John Edgar.
[John Edgar] Primarily, we buy vacant and blighted houses
that are rehabbed and then become owner-occupied homes.
It reduces blight in the community;
it creates jobs, and obviously creates a quality home for
the family that moves in.
[guy] This property has a tankless water heater.
We have a 95 percent efficient gas furnace.
We have low VOC paint and recyclable carpet.
[narrator] Buyers get a completely updated home
with green technology and the price is based on
what a family can pay.
[Margaret Madison] We not only provide a good house but the
best they can have for the money.
Each time we reclaim a house, it's reclaiming
our neighborhood.
[Margaret] Well how y'all doin'!?
[narrator] Margaret Madison is a United Methodist Missionary who
works full time with "Community Development for All People.
She oversees renovations and counsels potential homeowners.
[Margaret] If you go take the homeownership class they will
help you work through what you owe and get out of debt.
[narrator] The program also has a grant to help longtime
homeowners make repairs.
The Church for All People dreams big for this community.
[John Edgar] Our goal over the next 3 years, in a 38 square
block area, is to buy every vacant house so there will be no
blight in the neighborhood; to create a multi-income
neighborhood where it's a good place for everyone to live.
[Margaret] We've gone from one house, to this year
we'll be doing 5 million in housing.
Now that changes a neighborhood. Does it not?