Video: Affordable Housing Program Helping Residents

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Aberdeen, Miss. (WCBI) — Alsyra Ivy is a mother of two and teaches seventh grade science for the West Point Consolidated School District.

When Ivy graduated from the Mississippi University of Women, she battled through poor credit. Her family lives in a two bedroom home, and she said she’s been looking to give her children a room of their own.

“With an eleven year old and a six year old, they don’t have anywhere where they can be their individual selves, so they’re always putting heads…”

With the help of the city of Aberdeen and the nonprofit Healthy Transitions Development Group, Ivy has recovered her credit and will own her own home.

The nonprofit helped her recover her credit, only after she went to Mayor Cecil Belle’s office to apply for the affordable housing program.

“We believe that people should have the opportunity to have a home to live in, one that they own…”, said Belle.

The Mayor said the housing program is an alternative to the land the city owned and maintained. Belle says, “…why not build houses on it…”

Belle said the affordable housing program gives those who qualify the options of choosing the model of the home, the paint, the tile, the carpet, so that residents can experience their ownership.

Ivy’s new home is her third attempt at owning a property in Aberdeen, and she calls it her “third times a charm.”

“It’s been a long time coming…”, said Ivy, “…but it’s going to be mine, and whatever I put in it is mine…”

Ivy’s home is one of five currently being built in Aberdeen, through the program.

Anyone interested in applying for the program can fill out an application at the Mayor’s Office, or visit http://www.healthytransitionshomes.org.