HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Applications are now being accepted for Project Shine, a program through the city of Huntington designed to assist in maintaining homes and keeping conditions in compliance with housing codes.
The program, started in 2021, was initially limited to three cities, in which 101 homes were successfully rehabilitated through both volunteer and contracted contributions. This year, the program will undergo a citywide expansion, with 1600 volunteers from across the country expected to contribute.
The City of Huntington began accepting applications for the program March 22, and will continue to accept submissions through April 28. Hopeful applicants will need to meet a number of requirements in order to qualify for the program.
In order to qualify, one must be a homeowner actively living in the home, and the home must be located within Huntington city limits. Fees such as taxes, municipal and refuse fees, and mortgage payments must be current. Listed eligibility requirements must also be met, and all required supporting documentation and applications must be completed.
Technical assistance for submission of the application itself will be offered by three community organizations, Highlawn Alliance at 2788 Collis Avenue (28th Street Entrance,) RenewAll at 610 14th Street West, and A.D. Lewis Community Center at 1450 A D Lewis Ave.
Several types of assistance are offered through Project Shine, including gutters, roofs, exterior lighting, paint/stain, window and door sealing, porches/floors/handrails, siding/exterior walls, and wheelchair ramps.
Local churches, along with Marshall University, will provide housing accommodations. Four volunteer work camps will contribute to the completion of exterior work. These include, Appalachian Service Project headquartered in Johnson City, TN, Mission Serve headquartered in Alpharetta, GA, World Changers headquartered in Cookeville, TN, and Group Work Camp headquartered in Fort Collins, CO.
In conjunction with the Huntington Fire Department, each home rehabilitated through Project Shine will receive installation of two 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms provided by the Red Cross.
Community Development Specialist Ben Newhouse stated,
“Last year was a great success. We rehabilitated 101 homes, 49 through contracted help, and 53 through volunteers. This year we plan on having 1600 volunteers come in from all over the country, to come into Huntington to perform free housing rehabilitation.”
Those seeking further information can contact Project Shine by phone at (304) 696-4418, or by email at projectshine@huntingtonwv.gov. More information can also be found at the Project Shine Website.