Chariton Housing Revitalization Project Sells First Batch of Renovated Homes; More Houses to be on the Market Soon
posted on Thursday, October 31, 2019
Chariton Housing Revitalization Project Sells First Batch of Renovated Homes; More Houses to be on the Market Soon
This week, more than 30 Hy-Vee and Midwest Heritage employees helped renovate the latest house that will eventually be placed on the market by the Chariton Valley Regional Housing Trust Fund. The home, located at 318 N. 7th St. in Chariton, is the fourth house that the group is updating to provide more affordable housing in the area.
Two years after launching a partnership with the Chariton Valley Regional Housing Trust Fund (CVRHTF) to improve housing options in the Chariton area, Hy-Vee, Inc., and its subsidiary Midwest Heritage, are proud to announce that the first three renovated homes have sold. Proceeds from the sale of these homes will be reinvested to support the next wave of housing renovations in the community.
Chariton served as home to Hy-Vee’s corporate headquarters for more than 50 years before moving to West Des Moines in 1995. Hy-Vee’s Chariton Distribution Center as well as its ShortCuts Facility are still located in the city.
Kourtni Robinson, a 26-year-old physical therapist who had been looking for a place to live in Chariton, says the first property the group renovated on 7th Street was exactly what she was searching for.
“I graduated from school in May 2018 and immediately started working while living with my parents at their home,” Robinson said. “I really wanted to find a wonderful first house of my own, and I finally did! I love the philosophy behind the Chariton Valley Regional Housing Trust Fund. And, I think their partnership with Hy-Vee is incredible.”
The sale of the first three homes renovated by this unique partnership was important to the community of Chariton as well as the sustainability of the program, said Tony Kaska, CEO and President of Midwest Heritage.
“Right now, there are two other houses that we are working to renovate, with the one at 318 N. 7th Street being the next location that will be on the market. Our goal is to provide affordable housing to those who want to live and work in Chariton, whether they work at Hy-Vee or another company,” said Kaska. “Housing is just one aspect that makes a community grow and prosper, and we want to be a part of that effort.”
In Fiscal Year 2019, Hy-Vee reinforced the company’s commitment by announcing its second $250,000 commitment to the program. The company’s initial $250,000 donation to the CVRHTF was announced in October 2017. To date, Hy-Vee has committed $500,000 toward the redevelopment of housing in Chariton and surrounding communities.
“As the longtime headquarters for Hy-Vee and site of our largest distribution center, Chariton has always been an important place for our company,” Hy-Vee Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said. “Our donations allow our partners to continue their efforts to positively impact the local community, while helping renovate more properties in the area.”