'Efforts to change a community:' MUTEH restoration homes progressing on MLK Drive

In hopes to change the character of a neighborhood, the Mississippians United to End Homelessness has purchased four of five homes on the 1900 Block of Martin Luther King Drive in Meridian. These homes will soon be restored and put on the market for rent or purchase.

“About three years ago they found these four houses and purchased them and have gone about raising the funds and that’s why we wanted to contribute,” said President of East Mississippi Realtors Jerome Kittrell.

About six weeks ago, the East Mississippi Realtors presented a $2,500 check to the nonprofit organization as a partnership to address homelessness and affordable housing in Meridian. Since then, the homes have seen a great amount of progress.

“Just last week they had four roofs placed on these houses. They’re in the process of designing the interior. They hope to leave the exteriors pretty much as they are because they’re pretty classic cottages for this area. They hope to get them in better shape on the exterior, but leave the basic design.”

With COVID-19 cases still rising and winter months approaching, Kittrell feels the need for housing is essential.

“If you can restore most of a block, you can change an entire community. It’s important certainly during COVID-19 times, but it’s important at all times. There’s a real need to address affordable housing in our community.”

The four houses will be completely restored within the next few months. Kittrell says workers are drawing up new designs for the interiors and will be back to work within the next few weeks.