PORCH Initiative prepares for open house on rehab project

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- The PORCH Initiative has a new home for sale, and the grand opening is this weekend.

“Home ownership is important,” said Tameka Randle, executive director for PORCH – People Organized to Revitalize Community Healing.

PORCH is an initiative for first-time home buyers.

“Our focus is housing, we want to make sure those first-time homeowners, have an opportunity for that,” said Randle.

PORCH representatives gave a tour for the rehab of a home Tuesday morning at 1143 S. Pacific in Cape Girardeau.

The rehabilitation began September 22 and took three months to finish.

“One thing we’re happy to say, that the proceeds we receive from this house, or from the sale, we’re going to make sure we take it to the next home and keep it right in the South Cape community,” said Randle.

Rachael Long is the Community Initiatives Manager. She says in the first phase of the housing initiative, PORCH worked with multiple families to assist them in purchasing homes in South Cape Girardeau.

“A lot of people call South Cape home, and so we’re working together with our neighbors, community, our friends and family, to highlight the vibrancy of South Cape and we’re doing that one home at a time,” said Long.

The next home for rehabbing is directly across the lot from the newly renovated home.

“We’ve had people stopping by asking for a tour so really positive feedback and I think there’s a lot of excited for what we’re doing here,” said Long.

Private donations funded the purchase and renovation of four homes in South Cape Girardeau.

The grand opening for the home will be Saturday, January 20. Those who are looking to buy a home are welcome to come to this open house.

The home will be available to tour this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. PORCH is also offering a hot chocolate bar to warm things up.