Hundreds of families in Jefferson and Desha counties have applied for help through the Communities Unlimited (CU) Healthy Homes Repair Program, a new initiative aimed at fixing unsafe and aging homes across the Delta.
Funded by a $2 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, the program was originally designed to repair at least 151 homes across four counties in Mississippi and Arkansas. But in just 30 days, nearly 2,200 families applied, including a surge from southeast Arkansas residents.
CU COME HOME Regional Manager Kapriskie Mack and Regional Housing Manager Courtney Gibson helped lead local outreach efforts, distributing applications at community events like the Simmons Bank Park Grand Opening, Catfish Friday Blues & Soul Night, and the Soul Shop Workshop in Pine Bluff.
“I loved connecting with folks and fueling hope for healthier homes,” Gibson said.
Local partners like Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity and the Dumas Housing Taskforce also played a key role in spreading the word through social media, churches, and civic groups.
“The Healthy Homes Repair Program will provide safe homes and preserve the value of homeownership for our communities,” said Angela White Smith, Executive Director of Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity.
While only a fraction of applicants will receive assistance this year, CU officials say the overwhelming response highlights the urgent need for safe, livable homes in southeast Arkansas.
“This is what CU is about — listening to communities and bringing resources where they’re needed most,” said CU Senior Community Facilitator Kelle Menogan Jr.
For local families, the program offers something even more powerful than repairs: hope.
“It tells people someone cares,” said Linda Weatherford, a Dumas city council member. “It tells them things can get better. And that hope is everything.”
