Chambana Sun

Neighborhood Services staff from the City of Champaign participated in a home dedication ceremony for the Green family on September 25. The event, organized by Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County, brought together city staff, community partners, and neighbors to mark the completion of the family's new home.

The house was constructed on land that previously held a neighborhood pool. After the homeowners association was unable to maintain the pool, it donated the property to the City of Champaign. The City then transferred ownership of the lot to Habitat for Humanity, which led efforts to build the new residence. Earlier in the summer, city employees contributed by installing siding on the house.

Rob Kowalski, Neighborhood Services Director, addressed attendees at the dedication. He said, "Collaboration is important in making affordable housing a reality." Ms. Green, who works as a food service employee for Unit 4 and is a lifelong resident of Champaign as well as a Central High School graduate, has now become a homeowner through this project.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the City of Champaign to revitalize neighborhoods and convert unused properties into valuable community resources.