by Jorge L. Valens, Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 08.16.2010

Long known for building homes from scratch for the needy, Habitat for Humanity has begun doing rehab work on the nation's growing inventory of foreclosed houses.

With funding from the federal government, Habitat and other local not-for-profit contractors are buying up and remodeling foreclosed properties in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

A partnership with the cities of Sunrise, Hallandale and North Lauderdale has allowed Habitat to acquire and rehabilitate 22 foreclosed homes, said Jason Crush, executive director of Habitat of Humanity of Broward County.

Funding comes largely from Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which is underwritten by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and aims to help areas hurt by foreclosed and abandoned properties.

Sunrise Mayor Roger Wishner noticed many homes in Sunrise that are neglected. "It's a great concern, that really hurts a neighborhood," he said.

Wishner said that allowing Habitat to use some of the money from the stabilization grant has allowed the city to save 20 to 25 percent in administration costs, money, he said, that can go to rehabilitating homes.

Habitat, founded in 1976, uses volunteer labor and "sweat equity" from owners to reduce construction or rehab costs.

Crush said that after the houses are remodeled families waiting for placement within the program will be able to move in..........read more

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