A home repair initiative in Pine Bluff is helping longtime homeowners address major repairs while expanding broader neighborhood revitalization efforts in the city’s Ward 3 area.
The WEpair program, launched in February 2026 by WE Center / WE Build, provides grants and loans for home repairs through funding secured by Communities Unlimited through the Walton Family Foundation.
The program assists homeowners with projects including roof repairs, sewer line work, foundation repairs and exterior improvements while following the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Eight Healthy Homes Principles.
Derrick White, whose family has lived in the same Pine Bluff home for more than 50 years, said he had spent much of his own money attempting to repair the property before eventually needing additional help with larger issues involving the foundation, sewer line, roof and exterior wrapping.
White said the repairs are important not only for preserving the home itself, but also for maintaining something future generations of his family can continue to use.
Nearby resident Brenda Bigham also received assistance through the program after dealing with roof leaks for years. She said she first learned about the effort after noticing construction activity nearby and later returned home to find work beginning on her roof.
Communities Unlimited officials said the partnership with WE Center focuses on helping existing residents benefit from ongoing neighborhood improvements while addressing barriers that often prevent families from maintaining or purchasing homes.
Program organizers said community feedback played a major role in shaping WEpair after residents expressed concerns that revitalization efforts should also include assistance for homeowners already living in the neighborhood.
In addition to repair efforts, WE Build continues work on a 13-home development on West 14th Street in Ward 3. Officials said two homes are expected to be completed by the end of May, with three additional homes projected for July and seven more planned during the second half of 2026.
Communities Unlimited and WE Center officials said the broader goal is to improve housing stability, neighborhood safety and long-term homeownership opportunities throughout the community.
