#3 – The city permit site shows nothing currently applied for and the last active permit expired in 2004.
The stated mission of Habitat for Humanity is “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
I think God needs a little help getting started here.
Habitat does not just build houses willy-nilly. It takes a lot to go into a Habitat house! First of all, just because they bought the land 4 months ago and haven’t applied for any permits yet doesn’t mean they don’t have plans for the property. It’s quite possible that they are waiting for a combination of things to fall into place to get started- a willing/qualified family to be a part of the process to buy the home (they don’t typically get built then put up for sale- they get put up for sale THEN built), a group (or multiple groups of volunteers) willing to (potentially travel to) work on the project, funding to be able to apply for permits, funding to buy materials, material donations, licensed contractors to donate their time/ have availability….. and so much more. LOTS goes into these Habitat houses, and it’s awesome they’re continuing to work in this neighborhood! You can visit http://www.Habitat.org for general information (more than the mission statement) about the organization. It looks like the RVA Affiliate’s page is currently not working (at least from my phone) but you can contact jhelfrich@richmondhabitat.org if you have questions about the Richmond process or this particular project. I’m sure they’d be glad to answer any questions.
6 – I have no questions for Habitat. The picture of the current condition of the property speaks for itself: while the NGO/NPO is waiting for a combination of things to fall into place, efforts to clean up the property haven’t been part of the plans. According to the city’s site the purchase price in April was $18,150 – that would have paid for a pair of loppers and some pruning shears.
My thanks to K for a good explanation of how Habitat for Humanity operates. I value them and other organizations like Urban Hope who work to provide affordable housing in this area and who value building community. I have two great neighbors who live in affordable houses they purchased through Urban Hope. These organizations enhance opportunities for establishing stable neighborhoods. I am grateful for their efforts.
@Mary – you’re right that $18k probably could have bought some garden tools. However, the poor state that property is in will unfortunately probably take days and many volunteers to clean up. (Yes, lot clean up does take planning and when done exclusively by volunteer effort, may take a while to organize!! It is one of the many steps in the process- sorry for leaving that out.) I say this truly knowing it, as years ago I was a part of a few Habitat volunteer teams teams (granted, not in RVA) whose sole purpose for an entire week has been lot clearance. It’s not as easy as some loppers and pruning shears… however, if you think that can be accomplished, now you have their contact information and I’m sure they’d be overjoyed to have your help in cleaning up that lot so easily!!!
@Leslie- no problem! As I said, I’ve had some experience working with them and I have a family member who has volunteered with various affiliates across the Eastern Seaboard for over 20 years. It’s a great organization!
Let’s give Habitat a break! 701 N 35th was purchased by Cobblestone in Sept 2016 without any improvements be completed. The front is boarded up, the fence is falling down and the windows are open.
Hi everyone! I am Jane Helfrich, the CEO of Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. First, I want to thank all of you who have said such nice things about our organization – we are lucky to have such great allies in the community! We just wanted to clear up a few things and give you guys a timeline of our plans to revitalize this property. We took control of 1202 N. 33rd Street in April of this year as a part of the City of Richmond’s tax delinquent property program. Before we acquired this property, it sat vacant for many, many years and the prior owner was extremely delinquent on their tax payments. Since acquiring the property in April, we took the next 2 months to evaluate the condition of the property and solicit bids from demolition contractors (we determined it would be best to demolish the existing structure for safety reasons). In July of 2017, we applied for the demolition permit and as soon as that permit comes through, we will demolish the current structure and clear the land. We have this property on our build schedule to begin construction for a local family in January of 2018. This past January we finished building the home located at 1208 N. 33rd Street, and plan to build a similar style home at 1202. Hope this helps to give you an idea of what our plans are for this property – if you have any further questions, feel free to email or call me at any time – jhelfrich@richmondhabitat.org or 804-232-7001 ext. 102. We are very excited to turn this blighted property into something beautiful for a local family and for the Church Hill community!
I have a picture of 1208 N 33rd Street that I wanted to include…but can’t figure out how to copy it here.
16 comments
Do city records show the owner as Herman Munster?
OMG 35th & M!!! Looooooooool
Bought 4/21/2017 by Habitat for Humanity
#3 – That is hilarious!
#3 – The city permit site shows nothing currently applied for and the last active permit expired in 2004.
The stated mission of Habitat for Humanity is “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
I think God needs a little help getting started here.
Habitat does not just build houses willy-nilly. It takes a lot to go into a Habitat house! First of all, just because they bought the land 4 months ago and haven’t applied for any permits yet doesn’t mean they don’t have plans for the property. It’s quite possible that they are waiting for a combination of things to fall into place to get started- a willing/qualified family to be a part of the process to buy the home (they don’t typically get built then put up for sale- they get put up for sale THEN built), a group (or multiple groups of volunteers) willing to (potentially travel to) work on the project, funding to be able to apply for permits, funding to buy materials, material donations, licensed contractors to donate their time/ have availability….. and so much more. LOTS goes into these Habitat houses, and it’s awesome they’re continuing to work in this neighborhood! You can visit http://www.Habitat.org for general information (more than the mission statement) about the organization. It looks like the RVA Affiliate’s page is currently not working (at least from my phone) but you can contact jhelfrich@richmondhabitat.org if you have questions about the Richmond process or this particular project. I’m sure they’d be glad to answer any questions.
I used to live next door to this house this was where Ms. Brooks lived. May she rest in peace
6 – I have no questions for Habitat. The picture of the current condition of the property speaks for itself: while the NGO/NPO is waiting for a combination of things to fall into place, efforts to clean up the property haven’t been part of the plans. According to the city’s site the purchase price in April was $18,150 – that would have paid for a pair of loppers and some pruning shears.
My thanks to K for a good explanation of how Habitat for Humanity operates. I value them and other organizations like Urban Hope who work to provide affordable housing in this area and who value building community. I have two great neighbors who live in affordable houses they purchased through Urban Hope. These organizations enhance opportunities for establishing stable neighborhoods. I am grateful for their efforts.
@Mary – you’re right that $18k probably could have bought some garden tools. However, the poor state that property is in will unfortunately probably take days and many volunteers to clean up. (Yes, lot clean up does take planning and when done exclusively by volunteer effort, may take a while to organize!! It is one of the many steps in the process- sorry for leaving that out.) I say this truly knowing it, as years ago I was a part of a few Habitat volunteer teams teams (granted, not in RVA) whose sole purpose for an entire week has been lot clearance. It’s not as easy as some loppers and pruning shears… however, if you think that can be accomplished, now you have their contact information and I’m sure they’d be overjoyed to have your help in cleaning up that lot so easily!!!
@Leslie- no problem! As I said, I’ve had some experience working with them and I have a family member who has volunteered with various affiliates across the Eastern Seaboard for over 20 years. It’s a great organization!
Let’s give Habitat a break! 701 N 35th was purchased by Cobblestone in Sept 2016 without any improvements be completed. The front is boarded up, the fence is falling down and the windows are open.
I’m sure these guys have great plans for this property. Habitat has been doing a ton of good work in North Church Hill lately.
Hi everyone! I am Jane Helfrich, the CEO of Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. First, I want to thank all of you who have said such nice things about our organization – we are lucky to have such great allies in the community!
We just wanted to clear up a few things and give you guys a timeline of our plans to revitalize this property. We took control of 1202 N. 33rd Street in April of this year as a part of the City of Richmond’s tax delinquent property program. Before we acquired this property, it sat vacant for many, many years and the prior owner was extremely delinquent on their tax payments.
Since acquiring the property in April, we took the next 2 months to evaluate the condition of the property and solicit bids from demolition contractors (we determined it would be best to demolish the existing structure for safety reasons). In July of 2017, we applied for the demolition permit and as soon as that permit comes through, we will demolish the current structure and clear the land.
We have this property on our build schedule to begin construction for a local family in January of 2018. This past January we finished building the home located at 1208 N. 33rd Street, and plan to build a similar style home at 1202.
Hope this helps to give you an idea of what our plans are for this property – if you have any further questions, feel free to email or call me at any time – jhelfrich@richmondhabitat.org or 804-232-7001 ext. 102. We are very excited to turn this blighted property into something beautiful for a local family and for the Church Hill community!
I have a picture of 1208 N 33rd Street that I wanted to include…but can’t figure out how to copy it here.
I understand that this was recently demolished
That is correct.