2012 Spirit of Humanity Awards: Collaborative Partners: Project Demolition – Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82Hfyv2j2NE

2012 Spirit of Humanity Awards: Collaborative Partners: Project Demolition
Omaha has a large number of abandoned and blighted properties that need to be demolished. These properties lead to crime, vandalism, and reduce the likelihood for investment in a community. In response to this need, Habitat Omaha started a new program called Project Demolition to tear down donated, blighted properties. In a true spirit of collaboration, three self-proclaimed "semi-retired guys" have led the charge. Dennis O #39;Neal with First National Bank was truly the catalyst and champion of this project. Dennis saw the Project Demolition business plan and said "we need to make this happen" and he did. He organized many meetings with philanthropists and city officials to secure funding. Once Dennis became involved, the program took off within a few months. Lou Lamberty with Olsson Associates is the fearless leader in charge of the committee ensuring program success. He is using his connections and expertise to initiate eminent domain on abandoned properties, and he keeps the project on track. Jerry Heinrichs with Investor #39;s Realty is the man on the ground that has put in countless hours driving the streets, tracking down owners, clearing titles, and securing blighted house donations. These three men, the demolition committee, the City of Omaha Planning Department, and our funders Lozier Foundation, John Dianne Scott, and the Sherwood Foundation have made this program a success. As a result of their efforts, 80 blighted homes will be donated and demolished in the first ...From:HabitatOmahaViews:1 0ratingsTime:02:13More inNonprofits Activism

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2012 Spirit of Humanity Awards: Collaborative Partners: Project Demolition - Video