JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura successfully secured a $250,000 appropriation in Illinois’ 2024 state budget to support Habitat for Humanity's Neighborhood Revitalization effort in the Fairmont Neighborhood of unincorporated Lockport. This partnership aims to foster community growth, improve living conditions, and provide quality affordable housing for residents in need.

“By focusing on quality, sustainability, and community engagement, this collaboration will provide a brighter future for families in Fairmont,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These dollars will help residents in the 43rd District prosper and flourish in life, and I look forward to working with Will County and Habitat for Humanity to make this revitalization project come to life.”

Neighborhood revitalization is a comprehensive approach that focuses on transforming communities by addressing the critical needs of residents. Will County Habitat for Humanity has built a successful model that involves strategic collaborations and active engagement from local organizations, businesses, and residents, working together to create sustainable, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Partnering with the Fairmont Neighborhood community and other stakeholders, they will pursue a variety of initiatives and projects over the next five years to revitalize the area and uplift the lives of its residents. The boost of funds secured by Senator Rachel Ventura will help kick start the early stages of this effort. Habitat will continue to build and repair homes as a crucial component of this endeavor and recently acquired six scattered site properties. They are currently in the process of obtaining an additional 18 sites to construct much-needed quality homes in the neighborhood.

Not only has Will County Habitat for Humanity gained support from Senator Ventura, but they also continue to garner support from Will County. Last year Will County donated five lots for residential construction.

“Will County is proud to donate surplus lots as part of its pilot ‘reclaimed property program’ to create more affordable housing options in the Fairmont neighborhood,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “The donation of these lots aligns with several ongoing local efforts to support neighborhood revitalization, including through improving infrastructure, creating new community gardens, and rehabbing over 50 local homes. I appreciate the hard work of the Will County Community Development Division and all local partners in implementing the Fairmont Neighborhood Plan.”

Nicole Murray, Executive Director of Will County Habitat for Humanity, expressed her gratitude for Senator Rachel Ventura's steadfast support. She stated, "We are incredibly grateful for Senator Ventura's unwavering commitment to quality affordable housing that is environmentally conscious. Her dedication aligns perfectly with Habitat's mission of providing sustainable and affordable homes for families in need. With this appropriation, we can now expand our efforts in the Fairmont Neighborhood and make a significant impact on the lives of its residents."

County Habitat for Humanity is an Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. To learn more, visit habitatwill.org.

Ventura has been a committed advocate for addressing the housing crisis and ensuring access to safe, affordable homes for all Illinois residents. Through her continued efforts and collaboration with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, she is actively working towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for the people of her state.