$100K Pushes Renaissance Block into Next Funding Round

Renaissance Block Grants are making a triumphant return, as Impact Corry, Pennsylvania has proudly announced that the next round of funding has received the final stamp of approval. A breath of fresh air and an injection of energy for the local community, this funding initiative will now continue its transformative effect on the homes in the area.

On a promising Wednesday, 24 homeowners eagerly waiting on the School House Block list were informed that a substantial $100,000 chunk of change would help propel their renovation projects to completion. The financial boost is set to enhance the neighborhood, adding vibrancy and restoring a sense of pride.

The Renaissance Block is more than just a grant; it’s an opportunity for homeowners to beautify their living spaces. It operates on a matching system, reimbursing homeowners up to 50% of what they invest into home improvements. For instance, spending $500 on a project will result in a $250 reimbursement, making it an attractive proposition for property owners.

Introduced in 2019 through the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), the Renaissance Block grant funds initially became a beacon of hope for homeowners. By early 2020, four neighborhoods were specifically marked for grant money based on a set of criteria, including willingness to participate, neighborhood organization, effective communication, community investment, and more.

The neighborhood known as “School House Block,” situated between Wayne and North Center streets, and East Bond and East Irving streets to East Frederick Street, was the first to benefit from the funds for renovations. The success of the initiative soon led to a surge in interest, with the waiting list swelling and then shrinking again from 92 properties to 39 with the new round of funding.

Michelle and Bob Conda, residents of Cincinnati, Ohio, who frequently visit Corry, have felt the positive impact of the Renaissance Block grants. Facing challenges in the peaking housing market of Columbus, they opted to invest in a fixer-upper in Corry. Now, they look forward to utilizing the grant for significant improvements, including replacing outdated brown wooden siding.

With a shared belief that “a rising tide lifts all ships,” the Condas see the potential for positive change in the community through concerted efforts in home maintenance. They believe that the grants not only motivate homeowners but also foster a sense of shared responsibility to beautify the area.

The program’s main goal is to tackle housing blight in Erie County, where problems with deteriorating and code-deficient residential structures are pervasive. By incentivizing private investment, the initiative has so far injected over $200,000 into Corry’s local economy, revitalizing over 42 homes.

Charles Gray, executive director of Impact Corry, has expressed satisfaction with the program’s outcomes, noting increases in property value and enhancements in the tax base. Gray emphasizes the importance of making the community welcoming and attractive, a sentiment reflected in the program’s mission.

The community-focused approach extends to coordinating efforts among homeowners. Gray plans to gather families for information sessions, allowing them to collaborate on projects and secure better deals on resources. This group approach is designed to save both homeowners and the funding pool money.

The positive feedback from those who’ve already benefited from the grants has been overwhelming, reflecting gratitude towards Impact Corry for its role in facilitating the funds. Gray highlights the collective efforts of local nonprofits to improve the downtown area, emphasizing that community improvement is everyone’s responsibility.

Next week, local residents will have another opportunity to make a difference on Erie Gives Day, set for August 8. For the nonprofits in Corry, Gray notes that donations could be game-changing, further underscoring the community’s power to come together and make significant strides towards revitalization and growth.

In the end, the Renaissance Block Grants stand as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and investment in a shared future, breathing life into Corry and setting a promising example for neighborhoods everywhere.