Regions Foundation / East Lake Initiative — Members of the East Lake Initiative, Regions Foundation and State Senator Rodger Smitherman breaking ground on 15 new homes in East Lake. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

On Thursday, October 12, members of the East Lake Initiative, Regions Foundation and local and state officials met to formally break ground on a major home-building initiative in East Lake. Thanks to a $400K grant from the Regions Foundation, the East Lake Initiative will be able to provide 15 new homes to under-resourced families in Birmingham.

Breaking ground on new homes in East Lake

More than a dozen newly built, affordable houses will soon be ready to welcome families in Birmingham’s East Lake neighborhood thanks to a major initiative led by the East Lake Initiative (ELI), a community development organization founded in 2010. In addition to providing affordable housing, ELI coordinates services for residents, including:

Financial wellness
Workforce development
Utility assistance
A food market
And more

“ELI takes a holistic approach toward creating long-term, positive change. Our focus is not just one particular service; rather, we believe in addressing the needs of the whole person and the whole family. Expanding our service to include the development of affordable housing is an exciting next step that will benefit our city for generations.”
Pam Bates, Executive Director, East Lake Initiative

To support the work of the ELI, the Regions Foundation presented a grant of $400,000 to help with construction of the 15 homes. Funded primarily by Regions Bank, the Regions Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide more inclusive prosperity to the community.

“The Regions Foundation is ready to write a check of $400,000 to the ELI because we see the work that they do every day. The ELI works with families for one to three years, and they commit to help them set goals to improve their lives in a comprehensive way. It’s not just about getting a home—it’s about thriving, being part of a community, giving back and progressing with the whole community. We really love the work that ELI does and it warms my heart to see the result of that work.”
Marta Self, Executive Director, Regions Foundation

The new initiative is an extension of the ELI Thrive coach program, which works with more than 150 under-resourced families each year to help set economic stability goals. In order to purchase one of the new homes, clients of the ELI Thrive program have taken part in monthly sessions on:

Improving credit scores
Establishing monthly budgets
Securing mortgage down payments

Currently, the initial homes are under construction and the development is expected to be complete in three to five years. To learn more about this initiative and ELI’s service, visit www.elithrive.com.

Supporting residents of East Lake

In attendance at the groundbreaking were Charisse and Willie Rupert Jr., one of the 15 families who will become homeowners through their work with the East Lake Initiative.

“We can’t wait to walk through that door and we are so excited for our family to see our new home. We have children and grandchildren, and for them to see that homeownership is possible—even after struggles in life like homelessness and drug addiction—means the world. All things are possible! This is a blessing from God and we are just overwhelmed by His grace and mercy.”
Charisse Rupert

The development is already motivating members of the neighborhood—in fact, one neighbor said he was inspired to repaint his house!

“I’m just thrilled to be here today to see what’s happening. You know, homeownership is something that’s very important. It really is the foundation of community, local elementary schools and is the foundation of cohesiveness that keeps it together. And this is a golden opportunity for community.”
Senator Rodger Smitherman, Alabama State Senator

What do you think of this major initiative in East Lake? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know your thoughts!