Nonprofit aims to build new homes, help at-risk youth with South Side project

A local nonprofit is planning to build new housing units on Columbus' South Side.

Franklinton Rising announced this month that it is expanding its home-building efforts into the neighborhood south of Main Street.

The faith-based nonprofit has developed 12 housing units in Franklinton over the past 10 years and focuses on building affordable housing on city lots. Some of its work includes renovating existing homes by rebuilding them from the ground up.

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It uses the construction process to help young, at-risk adults who live in poverty by employing them to build the homes and teaching construction skills. The participants, ages 17 to 24, also receive mentoring and training in life skills.

After training, participants are connected with local building companies and job opportunities.

Four new housing units will be developed on the South Side, according to the nonprofit.

“We are extremely pleased to expand into the south of Main area of Columbus to help revitalize the area by building affordable modern houses that are being built by at-risk young adults, who are learning valuable skills in the construction and construction management field, all the while providing beautiful and affordable new housing,” said Tom Heffner, president of Franklinton Rising.

The nonprofit is hosting an event on Thursday at 11 a.m. at 533-535 Kelton Ave. to celebrate its 10-years of service and the new units it is developing.

How much is housing in Ohio cities? How much do full-time workers have to make hourly to afford a two bedroom apartment?

dking@dispatch.com

@DanaeKing

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Nonprofit aims to build new homes, help at-risk youth with South Side project