ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MIHabitat for Humanity saves Flint house; couple moving in

Habitat for Humanity saves Flint house; couple moving in

(01/27/12) - Two years ago a Flint house owned by the Genesee County Landbank was dilapidated and nearly ready for demolition. But organizations that are trying to revitalize Flint decided to fix it up and give it a new lease on life.

In March 2010, 10 UM-Flint students spent spring break preparing a house built in 1937 on Oak Street for remodeling. They removed plaster and stripped the interior down to studs. Whatever plumbing and wiring was left was replaced.

"We kind of had a shell to work with. But we could definitely see the good parts that were left and how good this house could turn out," said Ryan Johnson of Genesee County Habitat for Humanity.

When the remodeling began, it was thought the home would be used for student housing. But Matt and Julie Appleton of Fenton heard about it and wanted to be part of the project.

"It just felt like the right place to be," said Matt Appleton.

"They both work in the local area. Where they lived before was a pretty far drive. This made complete sense to them. They wanted to be homeowners and they love the opportunity to live here," Johnson said.

A few years ago this house would have been written off. But there are a few organizations like Habitat who can see the value here and say it's worth preserving.

"We've been working in the Grand Traverse neighborhood for the past five years and have 25 houses that we have built or currently are working on," Johnson said.

The couple plans to move in this weekend.

"We're very excited. We're looking forward to it," Appleton said.

2012 is shaping up to be a busy year for Genesee County Habitat. Volunteers are currently working on two remodeling projects and there are plans for two new-builds this summer.

For more information on Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, click here.