Revitalizing Frayser: A Community Effort Towards Homeownership
Memphis, Tenn. — Each Tuesday, we take the opportunity to shine a light on organizations that are making positive changes in our communities. This week, we focus on a fantastic initiative happening in the Frayser neighborhood, where dreams of homeownership are becoming a reality for many local residents.
Finding Home in Frayser
Meet Kristopher McMickens, a devoted single father of five who faced some significant challenges on his journey toward stability. “I was going through a transition. I was working but I was homeless,” he shared, painting a picture of struggle that’s all too familiar to many. In his search for an affordable home, Kristopher discovered Frayser Community Development Corporation (CDC) and their commitment to revitalizing the area.
This neighborhood-based non-profit organization has been working tirelessly to uplift the Frayser community through affordable housing solutions. Executive Director Darrell Scott explained, “We provide opportunities to purchase homes, rehab homes, build homes, and connect individuals who are low to moderate income with that chance to achieve their dream.” With a focus on the 38127 zip code, Frayser CDC has been making strides in creating a solid foundation for residents.
A Bright Future with New Homes
Over the last two decades, this organization has been on a mission. They buy up homes that are often in disrepair, renovate them, and then make them available at reasonable prices for rent, rent-to-own, or outright purchase. “We’re getting ready to build four brand new homes,” Scott mentioned with enthusiasm. “There will be both four-bedroom and two-bedroom options, with carports or garages, expected to be priced around $150,000.”
This hard work does not just stop at providing homes. Frayser CDC also equips individuals with valuable resources through their educational programs. They offer pre-purchase counseling, post-purchase counseling, and classes designed to prevent foreclosures and evictions. These classes are crucial in demystifying the complex world of real estate.
Turning Dreams into Reality
For Kristopher, participating in these classes has been life-changing. Soon, he will transition from being a renter to a homeowner, giving his family a stable place to thrive. “It’s given us a chance to live. A chance at life where it takes the burden off of you,” he explained, revealing the relief that comes with finding a true home.
This is exactly why groups like Brown Missionary Baptist Church and Mid-South Genesis CDC are stepping in to support Frayser CDC. Recently, they made a generous donation of $1,000. Their contribution recognizes that helping residents achieve homeownership is vital to closing the economic disparity gap that often plagues neighborhoods like Frayser.
How You Can Get Involved
It’s clear that the work being done in Frayser is making waves of positive change. If you know of other organizations or groups that are impacting our community in meaningful ways, there’s a chance to recognize their efforts! You can nominate them for a feature to help spread the word and further their mission.
This initiative in Frayser is an inspiring example of what can happen when communities come together to support one another. With every renovated house and each family that transitions to homeownership, the fabric of Frayser continues to strengthen. Together, they are turning challenges into opportunities and building a brighter future, one home at a time.
