Ground broken on two ‘blight fight’ Macon homes

"Just excited! Ready to get in and decorate. I'm just really grateful for the opportunity."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two families are now first time homeowners, thanks to a $1 million dollar program between Macon-Bibb’s American Rescue Plan and the Peyton Anderson Foundation. The homes home are also a result of the county’s fight against blight.

According to Mayor Lester Miller, 600 abandoned structures have been torn down in the last two and a half years. The county has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build 14 homes on some of those properties.

“It’s not just about tearing houses down,” said Mayor Miller. He says the blight fight is also about providing a safe place for families.

Natasha Calhoun is one of the new homeowners and a mother of five. Calhoun says she’s excited to move into her new home and start decorating.

“Just excited! Ready to get in and decorate. I’m just really grateful for the opportunity,” said Calhoun.

Her dream of becoming a homeowner will become a reality in 6-8 months, when her home is ready to move in.