Good news: we’re starting Neighborhood Revitalization at East End Mobile Home Park
As Habitat for Humanity Prince William County celebrates its 26th year of service to Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park, we’re preparing to assist families in our community in a new way. We’re kicking off a Neighborhood Revitalization project at East End Mobile Home Park (EEMHP) on Route 28 in Manassas. This is an opportunity to celebrate our past while moving forward to transform the lives of community members at the Park. It’s an exciting time for Habitat and we know there is much work to do. Following, you’ll find information that will help you become familiar with our milestone project and how you can get involved.
What is Neighborhood Revitalization?
Habitat’s vision is to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Neighborhood Revitalization narrows this vision to ensure neighborhoods are safe and inviting places to live for current and future residents. Our goal is to partner with residents, community leaders, and organizations to address real concerns that neighborhood residents have. Habitat will help neighborhood leaders in East End Mobile Home Park organize their community to create a resident-led plan that will improve quality of life concerns.
Why East End Mobile Home Park?
After years of neglect, the water and sewer lines at EEMHP were in such disrepair that they couldn’t be ignored any longer. The City of Manassas, where EEMHP is located, could not take over and manage the property. However, they did offer to purchase it with the condition that all the trailers be removed. Residents realized that in six months they could become homeless.
To ensure that the residents would not be evicted, a non-profit organization, CFH, Inc. offered to purchase EEMHP, replace the water and sewer lines and manage the property. This was approved by the City and the previous owner and in 2018, CFH became the new owner. They immediately repaired the water and sewer lines in the community. CFH accepted Habitat for Humanity Prince William County’s offer to help with some additional revitalization efforts.
What Happens First?
First, we’ll rehab a cinder block building in the heart of community to create a Resource Center where life skills training and meetings can take place. The overall condition of the building is good, however, general updates and reconfigurations are needed to make it usable for its new purpose. Phase 1 will include exterior and interior repairs of the building. We’ll replace and and relocate the HVAC system, replace the roof, remove a wall, update the kitchen and make the bathroom ADA compliant.
Things will be done differently due to COVID-19. We’ll use contractors to replace the roof and HVAC unit and see where things stand for getting volunteers onto the site for the additional work.
Later, we’ll add a playground to the site for the neighborhood kids to enjoy. Plans also include conducting organizing efforts. We’ll get a baseline understanding of how the residents perceive their quality of life. Discover and recognize the assets they already have in their community. Learn what else residents would like that will improve their sense of well-being. And, help them discover and develop leadership and partnerships that will help them achieve their goals.
How can you help expand our impact in our 26th year?
There are several ways you can help the revitalization of East End Mobile Home Park.
Donate
Consider donating today to help us provide a “hand up” to the wonderful families at East End Mobile Home Park. Your gift will make our project successful, dreams come true, and help build a better community. Click here to donate.
Advocate
Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Spread the word of our project, like us on our Facebook page, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at the bottom right hand corner of our Home Page.
Volunteer
Be a part of Habitat for Humanity Prince William County’s mission to transform residents lives during this milestone project. To sign up as a volunteer, click the Volunteer Button. As soon as we’re ready to accept volunteers at the job site again, you’ll be set to go!
If you have special skills related to community organizing and would like to volunteer, send an e-mail to info@habitatpwc.org. We’d love to talk with you!