Homeownership Month Kicks Off in McDowell County

On June 5, 2002, the community of Kimball, West Virginia, along with Milton Pratt, Regional Director, and George H. Rodriguez, Charleston Field Office Director, celebrated the opening of Starland Heights, a 40-unit townhouse development , located at the site of an old 15-acre outdoor theater.

Due to three major floods that have occurred in the area in the past year, and because of the dire need for housing, the planned three-year completion of the project was accelerated to provide housing as quickly as possible.

Stop Abusive Family Environments (S.A.F.E.) is the owner, developer, contractor, and manager of the four million dollar project. S.A.F.E. is a nonprofit organization that assists families with domestic violence, homelessness, transitional housing, permanent housing and economic development programs. The housing units are aimed toward low-income victims. The townhouses include four handicap units, and all appliances. A large community center also is complete, which includes a daycare center, a computer lab, a laundry, a meeting room and kitchenette. An outdoor basketball court and recreational area also are planned.