Ferndale kicks off Porch Light Partnership to improve neighborhoods

A coalition of Ferndale-area institutions kicked off the Porch Light Partnership Wednesday, which will focus of improving Ferndale’s neighborhoods “one house at a time.”

The partnership – comprised of the city, Paramount Bank and Oakland County Lighthouse Community Development – will use $415,000 in federal HUD funds to purchase and renovate six homes in neighborhoods east of Woodward Avenue between 8 Mile and 10 Mile roads within the next two years. Paramount Bank will also contribute financing for the projects.

“We’re going to improve them,” Ferndale Mayor Bob Porter said. “We’re going to make them affordable. … It’s a win-win situation all the way down the line.”

The six homes will be sold to first-time homebuyers. The homes in Ferndale have been identified as potential blight that could detract from the neighborhood. The idea is that renovating and selling them to will stop blight from spreading, increase property values and help strengthen the overall neighborhood.

The partnership will also offer first-time home buying programs this year called “Learn Act Own.” Lighthouse has had success with similar programs in Pontiac where it has helped build 64 single-family homes and renovated 25 other houses all for first-time homebuyers.

For information, visit lighthouseoakland.org or ferndale-mi.com or call (248) 920-6060 ext. 2400.

Source: City of Ferndale, Paramount Bank and Oakland County Lighthouse Community Development.