BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — A free assessment of housing needs is being done for communities in nine Northeast Missouri counties.

The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment is a project of the North East Community Action Corporation. The goal is to provide towns with a road map they can use to identify and address housing needs.

NECAC is sending packets with information to community leaders in Lewis, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph and Shelby counties. Communities will be asked about recent housing studies, existing codes and ordinances, vacant lots and buildings, new home construction, rehabilitation of existing houses, infrastructure support and other topics.

 

Depending upon the number of participants, the assessment could take up to six months.  The project is funded by a $25,000 grant from NeighborWorks America, a Congressionally-chartered group that helps communities with development efforts. NECAC has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks since 2004.

NECAC already is recognized as a national leader in housing and homeownership opportunities, having built more than 1,300 homes and apartments for the elderly, disabled and veterans

More information about the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment is available by calling the agency at 573-324-6622.