Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity (project developer), alongside ProMedica, Owens Corning, and the City of Toledo (project funders), are excited to break ground on this project and partner with the Junction community. These two new homes are the first to be built in the area in over 15 years. These homes are the first of fifteen that Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity plans to build. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, the Junction Coalition, Toledo Design Collective, and Lucas County Land Bank have also been instrumental in this project, along with all the other organizations who are supporting the overall Junction neighborhood master plan. This is a $3 million project that will take place and be invested into the Junction neighborhood.
In 2018, led by the Junction Coalition and Toledo Design Collective, the residents of the Junction neighborhood came together and created a plan for the future of their neighborhood. As more abandoned homes have been demolished, new home construction was a major part of their revitalization plans. “When you are in Junction, you can feel the residents optimism, love, and pride for their community.” said Michael McIntyre, Executive Director of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. “We are so appreciative that they trust us to help them fulfill their revitalization plans and dreams for the future.”
The Junction neighborhood revitalization plan started two years ago by completing 10 home-rescue projects. This entailed bringing these homes up to code to ensure that the families or individuals living there have a safe roof over their head. The program also included an outdoor amphitheater in Junction Park that provides a space for residents to come together and enjoy performances.
Tressa Boles spoke about how excited she is to be moving back to the Junction neighborhood which is where she grew up. "This is where I went to church, this is is where I went to school, this is where I played with my friends in the park, so I'm really, really excited to be back home," she said. Tressa said that this move back to the Junction neighborhood gives her a nostalgic feeling that she loves.
