A partnership well done

The Gazette Editorial Board

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On Jan. 31, a unique, formal partnership of Cedar Rapids non-profit organizations ended. The Block by Block initiative, created in July 2009 by Affordable Housing Network Inc and Matthew 25 Ministry Hub, took on flood-ravaged residential neighborhoods. One by one, homes were repaired, people's lives put back on track.

It all began with an idea forged by Jim Ernst, CEO of Four Oaks (of which AHNI is an affiliate), Clint Twedt-Ball of Matthew 25 and business leader John Smith, who, along with wife Dyan, provided $1 million in seed money. Their goal was to speed up restoration of flooded neighborhoods, avoiding some of the red tape clogging city government's efforts.

Yes, there were bumps along the way. Not everyone agreed with the mission strategy. Critics even mistakenly claimed some participants lined their pockets at the public's expense.

But after reviewing the results and the numbers, it's clear Block by Block has made a major, positive impact. Consider:

l Improvements to more than 270 homes in 25 city blocks.

l Of 43 properties bought or transferred from the city's buyout list, 21 rehabbed homes have been sold at affordable prices, 6 are listed for sale and the remaining 16 are expected to be listed within 60 days.

The financials in the adjacent chart show that 22 people drew salary and benefits. They provided expertise, oversight and planning that turned more than 61,000 volunteer work hours into remarkable results.

We found no evidence that individuals inappropriately profited. Some of those on the Block by Block project payroll even took pay cuts to leave other jobs.

What now? AHNI and Matthew 25 plan to pursue Block by Block goals independently. Proceeds from housing sales and other revenue over expenses, more than $1.2 million, is pledged toward revitalizing core Cedar Rapids neighborhoods, not only flood areas, until it's gone.

Much residential recovery work remains in our city. But a model project with committed people contributed much. They earned our appreciation.

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