Jamieson Community Center and Pattee Foundation are partnering to buy older homes in Monmouth, improve them, then sell them to individuals and families.
The goal is to address Monmouth’s housing shortage, and to provide pathways to homeownership for lower-income residents.
“Many of the homes in the community are older and not necessarily move-in ready,” said Nancy Mowen, executive director of Jamieson Community Center. “We all know costs of construction have increased greatly over the past few years. So this is an opportunity where we can put the money into the home. And then when we turn around to sell it, we will sell it at a loss. That’s very intentional.”
There are already three homes in various states of renovation, with the first expected to be completed this spring. The partners have identified up to 40 homes throughout the city that could be part of the program.
Improvements to the homes include new roofs, siding, and windows, as well as interior renovations.
Mowen said there are multiple benefits to the program.
“What happens many times is demolition. And if a house is demolished, the land typically stays vacant,” Mowen said. “That contributes even more to the housing shortage.”
She said rehabbing the homes also improves neighborhoods and builds a sense of community.
“One of the discussions that we've had is the difference in perspective from people who live in the community from a renter's standpoint to a homeowner's standpoint. And as a homeowner, you're investing in your house. It just gives you, I think, a deeper root in the community,” Mowen said.
How the program works
The homes will be move-in ready. Mowen said sale prices will vary, but the goal is to keep monthly housing payments around $1,000 to help ensure long-term stability.
“We don’t want people to purchase and be right on the edge,” she said. “That sets people up closer to failure than success.”
Those who make 80% or lower of the area median income are eligible for the program.
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
| 1 person | $54,700 |
| 2 persons | $62,500 |
| 3 persons | $70,300 |
| 4 persons | $78,100 |
| 5 persons | $84,350 |
| 6 persons | $90,600 |
| 7 persons | $96,850 |
| 8 persons | $103,100 |
Applicants must save at least $1,000 toward a down payment, and will be responsible for securing a mortgage through a lender.
They are also required to complete free credit counseling and attend the “Real Cost of Homeownership” workshop, presented by Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois.
Two opportunities to attend the workshop are scheduled for this month. One is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 and the other is at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, both in the Community Room at Jamieson Center, 1025 S. 2nd St. Reservations can be made online or by calling (309) 734-4251.
Anyone interested in buying a home can attend the free workshop.
Though the program will sell the homes for significantly less than the price of acquisition and renovation, Mowen said the sale price will go directly back into the program.
“So that will be some seed money to be able to purchase the next home," she said.
Funding for the program was provided by the Pattee Foundation.
Mowen said the program aligns perfectly with Jamieson Center’s mission, which is to help people reach their potential.
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