Posted Friday, January 28, 2022 10:08 am
By AUTUMN HUGHES
Local government leaders officially have presented $1.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) money to two organizations dedicated to affordable housing.
Cleveland and Bradley County leaders gathered Thursday afternoon to present funding to City Fields and Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
The Bradley County Commission and Cleveland City Council each allocated $400,000 to City Fields to continue its efforts to rebuild or remodel 10 houses in the Blythe-Oldfield community, and $300,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for 16 new homes in the Morelock Meadows subdivision.
The check presentation took place at Avery Johnson Park, which was named in Cleveland Vice Mayor Avery Johnson's honor last year.
"We've got a lot of people in the community who are doing a lot [to help others]," Johnson said.
Noting the cooperative effort between the city and county to equally fund City Fields and Habitat for Humanity, Johnson said, "We're really going to do something good here."
Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis called the use of ARP funds "an important step in addressing the housing issue facing Cleveland and Bradley County" and "a transformational investment being made in our community."
"This is another perfect example of what is possible when the city and county come together for a common goal," Davis said. "When my office approached the city about partnering together, we did so knowing that our impact in the community would be strengthened by working together."
He thanked Cleveland City Manager Joe Fivas, Mayor Kevin Brooks, Johnson and the Cleveland City Council for their partnership.
"I am thrilled with our other partners, these two organizations," Davis said. "Both of them have a track record of results when it comes to what they do, and I am confident this money will be put to its best use in the community.
"This investment helps to address a portion of the challenge, which is providing more affordable housing, but it doesn't go far enough to address the other side of the coin, which is available housing," Davis said.
"We have an opportunity, both the city and the county, to continue working together to create an environment that produces the necessary development and growth we need for the future," he added.
Davis said millions more state and federal dollars "are flowing into Cleveland and Bradley County that will allow us to address our infrastructure needs" of sewer, water and broadband, "which in turn will help us address the issues of providing more affordable and available housing."
"Thank you to the city of Cleveland for meeting us in the middle on this project," Davis said. "As Bradley County mayor, I will continue to offer my hand of cooperation. The partnership and vision between the city of Cleveland and Bradley County is responsible for the strength of our community today, and continuing that cooperation is the only way we can move forward in addressing the challenges of tomorrow."
Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks was unable to attend the ceremony, but said in a written statement: "I am proud to join County Mayor Gary Davis in this historic move to support affordable housing in Cleveland and Bradley County. Today’s historic first steps by the City and County, will make an investment in the lives of our fellow neighbors for years to come.
“These investments of a combined $1.4 million are not just a game-changer, these dollars are a life-changer for many in need," Brooks added. "Affordable housing can be found, and today’s partnership with the county proves we can work together to change lives for the better. And I wish to thank Vice Mayor Johnson for being here today to present these checks to City Council. The future is bright when we work together.”
Dustin Tommey, executive director of City Fields, and Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bradley County, also spoke about the impact of the ARP funds to their organizations.
"It's a beautiful picture, to me, of what can be done when the city and county cooperate and come together," Tommey said. "I am so grateful for the investment you are making in our community."
Tommey said City Fields' goal is to use the ARP funding for renovations and new construction of 10 homes, adding he hopes 10 projects each year will be the organization's "new normal." He said the community is "at a crisis point" of being able to provide affordable housing in the community.
"The money will be stewarded well, and the people whose lives it will impact will make you proud," Tommey said.
Johnson said Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has built 148 homes over the past 30 years, and the ARP funds will help build 14 townhomes and two single-family homes. She noted the new Morelock Meadows development is just down the street from Avery Johnson Park and Blythe-Bower Elementary School.
"Thank you — you are changing generations," Johnson said.
