Two projects building affordable housing in Columbia break ground

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Work began Thursday on two dozen new affordable housing units in central Columbia to help shorten the list of families waiting for a place to live.

Love Columbia broke ground Thursday on its new transitional housing expansion project on East Ash Street. According to Love Columbia, this housing project will consist of six three-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units to house up to 10 families at 1221 E. Ash St. as they move toward permanent housing.

Families in the Love Forward Homes Program receive four to nine months of supported housing in a transitional home environment with intensive financial, housing and career coaching tailored to the families' needs and goals.

Love Columbia board member Rantia Norwood said they want to give these families the ability to sustain themselves. "Give (families) budgeting classes," said Norwood. "Does the parents need to go back to school, perhaps finish their diploma? Do they want to go into some trade program? What's going to help them be sustainable after this year of housing here at the 10-plex?"

Central Missouri Community Action will also break ground Thursday on its Providence Landing housing development. This development will feature 14 family units to be sold to people who qualify at an affordable price.

Central Missouri Community Action received $750,000 in ARPA funding after Boone County Commission approval in April.

The Love Forward Homes Program was also partially funded by ARPA. Love Columbia Chief Development Officer Nathan Hansen said they are still working on the final number, but about $2.8 million was contributed.

Hansen said $1 million came from the county, $600,000 from the city and $1.1 million from The Crossing church.