Illinois village gets $600,000 to restore homes
La Fayette Illinois. Population 250. Only 89 homes are in this community that’s not even a mile long.
The village was established in the late 1830s and it’s showing its age.
“We’ve seen houses, including the one I grew up in, demolished,” said longtime Village of La Fayette resident Bud Mckirgan. “There are several more in town that should be demolished because the village can’t afford to take care of them.”
The small Stark County village is getting a huge boost: $600,000 will be used to renovate or repair homes. The money comes from the state in the form of a Community Development Block Grant.
Village leaders spent more than a year laying the groundwork to acquire the grant. Surveys were sent out to each community member. They were asked to detail their housing issues and needs. At least 30 surveys were filled out, thanks to a collaboration with the North Central Illinois Council of Governments. Since at least 30 surveys were filled out, the village was awarded the maximum amount possible of $600,000. Village of La Fayette Mayor Chris Smith says this money will especially benefit people who are elderly or disabled.
“The small community like this, this amount of money has just never been heard of here before,” Smith said. “To help those that need the help is what it’s all about. The opportunity to have this money to use it accordingly is going to be great.”
Up to 10 homes will get money for improvements. It can be used for structural work, electrical and flooring improvements, new appliances, and more. The village’s treasurer, Nora Williams, says this grant is vital to keep and attract more people.
“It’s very exciting to see that the homes will be able to get help and that people who lived here for years,” Williams said. “Even with those that are elderly or disabled, they may not be able to have a ramp or have the amenities that they need to be able to stay home. This will be huge for every one in the community,” she added.
Resident Bud Mckirgan says he’s excited for what the future may offer and he’s happy for the next generation who will call La Fayette, home
“Maybe we can hold our ground here for a while,” Mckirgan said. “We have a lot of young people in town here. A lot of kids are running around on the streets now. It’s something new in the last decade and it’s important to have a place that they can feel safe in,” he added.
Village leaders say a committee will decide which homes get upgrades based on needs in the community. They hope contractors can come out next year to begin renovations. A total of nearly $9,000,000 was divided and awarded to 13 other communities, including Galesburg, in Illinois. They will get $650,000. That money will be focused on the southwest part of the city.
For more information about the grant and its goals, click here.
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