Program Launched to Rehab Camden Neighborhoods

December 20, 2006 (WPVI) -- In the City of Camden they're calling it an opportunity to improve the quality of life in homes and in neighborhoods. It's a multi-million dollar program that hopes to improve the homes of Camden residents.

O'Desia Bowser admits her home in the Liberty Park section of Camden can use some work. Over 20 drafty windows should be replaced for starters. Soon she may be eligible for a loan to make repairs through the new Camden Home Improvement Pilot Program or CHIPP.

The 8 million dollar program announced Wednesday will offer improvement loans of up to 20 thousand dollars to eligible homeowners. Eventually 300 homes will be rehabbed around the city, but the first 50 are in five targeted neighborhoods: Whitman Park, Liberty Park, Centerville, Waterfront South, and Gateway.

The funding is mostly from the state and will be administered through the coopers ferry development association. The loans will be forgiven if homeowners stay at least five years.

Today's announcement was made by the Camden Churches Organized for People. The group has been working with state and city officials for 18 months to develop the program.

Officials say the program is designed to keep people in their homes for at least 5 years, and not for those who want to fix up the house and leave.

Applications will be taken starting January 5, 2007.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•