A nonprofit organization in Pine Bluff is providing $20,000 for first responders and teachers to live in new homes in the neighborhood

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – On Monday, the nonprofit organization Home Again Pine Bluff began construction on over 30 new residences throughout the community.

“These homes are a start to a better future for the city,” said Matt Mosler, director of Home Again Pine Bluff.

“You can change the culture if you have four, five, or six families that all go to work, all go to church, all take care of their neighborhood, and all make sure their children do their homework,” Mosler added.

By drawing educators, first responders, and law enforcement to the area, Mosler seeks to alter the culture. He’s giving them a grant of $20,000 so they may continue living in the houses.

“We hope to start rebuilding and repopulating our schools,” Mosler stated. “Families are difficult to attract because businesses are difficult to attract.”

According to Mosler, the city hasn’t had a new neighborhood in twenty years.

Vivian Flowers, the incoming mayor, thinks this initiative is just what the city needs.

According to Flowers, “You imagine young people having the basis of a home where they belong, where their families belong.” “And that contributes to a community that is safe.”

According to Mosler, they intend to construct three to four homes year, which means that the 34 residences will take ten years to complete.