Fulfilling a community need for affordable housing with an educational twist is what Imperial, Neb. (pop. 1,982), is accomplishing through its new Purchase/Rehabilitation/Resale program.

Housing was the number one need and affordable housing for low-income families was the number one problem as voted by residents of Imperial in a community assessment survey. These issues are being resolved with assistance from the Chase County High School Industrial Arts class that adopted the rehabilitation of two houses as its major project.

The program, a first for Imperial, allows the city to purchase a house in need of repair; rehabilitate the house with the assistance of the class; and resell the house to a low-to-moderate income family. Proceeds from the sale will go toward Imperial’s housing fund for future rehabilitation.

 The class instructor who serves as the acting contractor, oversees about 10 students who work on the project for a few hours a week.

“It has been a great hands-on learning experience and tool for the students,” said Kami Balthazor, community development director for Imperial.

The first house was relocated from its original location just outside of the city to its present site within city limits. Repairs include gutting and completely refurbishing the interior and fixing some exterior problems. The second house is receiving new shingles, siding and some interior work. The expected completion date of the rehabilitation is October 2003. Potential homebuyers will then have the chance to purchase the houses in November.

 “Interest in the program has already been shown by some potential homeowners in the community. A number of applications have already been submitted and a few look like they will be a good fit,” said Balthazor.

To become a possible candidate, an individual or family must go through an application process. Applicants must be in the 80% low-to-moderate income bracket, provide a minimum investment of $500 to cover a portion of closing fees and secure their own first mortgage financing. Those selected from the application process will be eligible to receive down-payment assistance that will be applied to the property at the time of closing. If the new homeowner chooses to move within the first 10 years, they will be required to pay back, on a prorated basis, the down payment assistance.

To fill the housing need financially, Imperial applied for a Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) grant administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Imperial was awarded $52,600 in NAHTF financial support for the Purchase/Rehabilitation/Resale program that were matched with $157,800 in local funds and in-kind donations.

“Hopefully, this program will bring more people into town, retain those already here, and help increase development in other areas of the community,” said Balthazor.

Contact Information

Imperial Purchase/Rehabilitation/Resale
(308) 882-4368
www.imperial-ne.com

Lara Huskey (DED Representative)
(402) 471-3759   •   (800) 426-6505
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