AFFORDABLE HOUSING | VICTORY ESTATES
The Lighthouse CDC initiated plans for the construction of affordable homes in this rural community. We call the project Victory Estates.
With the help of Mobile County we proposed to develop a 10 acre tract of land and construct 20 – 30 new single-family affordable housing units over the next 2-3 years. The first of these homes will begin construction in 2009.
The Mobile County, HUD sponsored HOME program allows eligible first time home buyers, down payment and forgivable loan of up to $40,000.
The targeted population is low to moderate income and many are single parent led, underemployed, tri-cultured families in our service area.
THE LIGHTHOUSE CDC EARTHCRAFT HOUSE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVE
The Lighthouse Community Development Corporation builds homes that are certified under EarthCraft House, a green building program developed by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface. EarthCraft House is a green building program that serves as a blueprint for healthier, more comfortable homes, which reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The program’s success is due to its practical approach to incorporating environmentally responsible products and techniques into every construction project, especially affordable housing. Owning an environmentally friendly house doesn’t mean making sacrifices. In fact, an EarthCraft House is one of the most high performance, durable and resource-efficient homes you can buy.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) is an after school and summer program that provides remedial, tutorial, and mentoring services. The program will serves fifty (50) families with children ages 7 to 17, who have been identified as “at risk.” Thanks to assistance from the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Mobile County Commission, the United Way of Central Alabama; and the American Red Cross, we served 50 families with children.
These youth, male and female are also recruited from the County and surrounding areas. Youth identified as “at-risk” are children with parents or guardians who work or are otherwise not regularly available to provide supervision during the out-of-school hours.
These children experience greater rise of truancy, poor grades, stress, and risk-taking behavior. Each youth in the program is involved in a broad range of activities.
The Youth Enrichment Program is delivered in an array of modules: peer support, parent participation, a mentoring component, and education.
LAKEVIEW COMMUNITY PARK
Thanks to the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Mobile County Commission, Gulf Coast Philanthropy Advisors Fund and individuals, the Lighthouse CDC was able to construct The Lakeview Community Park. Swing sets, basketball court, jungle gym, park benches, climbing apparatus, picnic tables and grills were purchased and installed.
Our goal is to see increased community fellowship and unity, which will reduce time for youth without activities, lessen the possibility of drug usage, illegal criminal activity reduced and foster enhanced community engagement.
HEALTH AWARENESS
The Lighthouse Community Development Corporation partnered with the Greater Mobile Physicians hosts the Annual Community Health and Fun Fair. We select themes to rally the community around, this past years theme was "Health is Wealth."
Without a focus and awareness of health related issues, it is impossible to have the type of leadership this community needs now and in the future.
Our Community Health and Fun Fair initiative has been in place for more than 9 years, we have tackled the issues of health education and awareness among our children, teens and seniors.
Our purpose is to promote healthcare awareness and provide information to help families make informed decisions regarding their health care.
We educate the public on the importance of taking steps toward prevention in order to improve the overall quality of life. Given the research and advanced technology, people are living longer and coupled with health care awareness can increase the chance of having a healthier life.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Since our inception, the Lighthouse CDC through grants and individual support has been able to assist over 1,400 families with food, clothing, housing, utility assistance, and basic needs.
The Lighthouse CDC is focused on the long-term issues that face our communities. Our goal is to build our communities and provide direct relief to families and individuals.
