The (Highway) 144 CHI (Corridor Housing Initiative ) held a reception for donors and recipients Nov. 20 at the Loren Shriver Community Center in Paton.
This is the second year 144 CHI has received funding from Greene County organizations and individuals. The board is grateful to the Greene County board of supervisors for allocating funds from the Louis Dreyfus account, Greene County Development Corporation, Grow Greene County, Rotary Club of Jefferson, the cities of Paton, Dana, Grand Junction, and Rippey, Neese Inc, Peoples Bank and Home State Bank.
This year $25,735.00 was raised and granted for 26 exterior home improvement projects. The funds became an investment in eastern Greene County as a total of $231,670 improvements were completed
144 CHI was initiated as a not for profit in September 2022. The mission is to increase property values and improve the general attractiveness and availability of housing in the communities along Hwy 144. The board established a plan to Improve, Clear, and Build. During this second year, $40,000 was received from Grow Greene County for demolition or clearing of unsafe, unsightly, or buildings that could not be rehabbed. Nine requests were received, and six were approved. The $40,000 leveraged demolition grants of $92,360.
Mark Devilbiss spoke at the reception about HOMES FOR IOWA. He and his wife Cindy have arranged for a stick home, built by Iowa prisoners to be moved into Rippey. Those incarcerated learn carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills. Region XII in Carroll has information if other persons have an interest, or go to the website, www.homesforia.com.
The Devilbisses plan to sell the home after building a garage and adding a deck to the home. It will be an affordable home with two bedrooms, while in turn helping to bring a new family to the Rippey community.
The 144 CHI board will be accepting requests for up to $1000 (must be matched) in 2025 for exterior projects by April 1 and clearing projects by May 1. Activities must be completed by Nov. 30, 2025. Applications will be available at the city libraries, or the community banks after Jan. 1.
144 CHI board members include John Rigler, Mary Weaver, Amanda Cornelison, Annie Smith, Jake Bohnet, Alan Robinson, Joan Dearborn, and Derek Kennedy, as representatives of all the communities in eastern Greene County.
