Neighborhood Revitalization has proven to be key to Habitat’s efforts in SWMT, starting with the once-daunting Central Butte Neighborhood. By making a commitment to concentrate available resources in this 67-block neighborhood that was home to both high schools, for the first 18 years of the affiliate’s operation, the partnership homes created a new face for the neighborhood. Habitat built more than 40 new homes as in-fill construction on highly damaged, vacant properties. At that time, this project represented more than $3.5 million in investment. An investment in a community where the last new home had been built in the 1930s.
The building of these homes led to hundreds of existing homes being invested in by surrounding residents who now felt encouraged to make a difference, too. This ripple effect has the ability to lead to a revitalization of a full town. Rejuvenating a neighborhood produces hope in a city, which can lead to much bigger improvements.
Neighborhood revitalization work, over the last few decades, allowed Habitat to fully embrace our mission – to build homes and hope. Habitat has revitalized communities throughout SWMT into vibrant, safe and inviting places to live for all residents. This will happen through the hard work of engaged citizens and partnerships with civic and business groups.
Habitat has built in seven more neighborhoods, in the last decade, including locations in Boulder and Dillon. Habitat projects have rejuvenated several neighborhoods in Butte, including the Centerville neighborhood and the Upper West Side area. Along with new home construction, Habitat has completed 14 rehabilitation projects throughout SWMT.