MEMPHIS, TN – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis took a major step in revitalizing North Memphis by demolishing a blighted property in the community. 

On Friday, June 27, Memphis Habitat’s construction team demolished a vacant, blighted property. Habitat purchased the deteriorating single-family home to help ensure the safety of new Habitat homeowners. 

Blight isn’t just an aesthetic issue; research shows blight can attract vandalism, squatting, drug activity and other crimes. It’s an overall safety hazard for this community, which is why Memphis Habitat was determined to tear this eyesore down. This demolition is expected to reduce crime, boost neighborhood pride and make room for a new Habitat home.

“We take the safety of our homeowners seriously, which is why we’re celebrating the removal of this blighted property,” said Dwayne Spencer, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. “Our homeowners deserve to feel secure in their new homes.”

>>ABC24: Habitat for Humanity Destroys Blighted North Memphis Property

Neighbors of our Habitat homes were relieved to see the blight removed and excited for the future of their neighborhood. “Y’all don’t know how glad I am this [blighted property] is going!” said Claude Smith, Habitat neighbor and North Memphis resident. “Each time the windows were boarded up, someone would remove the boards, allowing vagrants to take over the house and kids to skip school to hang out inside.” 

Safe communities and affordable homes are key drivers of intergenerational wealth, allowing families to plan for the future, find stable and rewarding work, and provide an asset for future generations. That’s why we’re committed to making sure everyone in the 901 has a safe place to call home. 

Together, we can take actions big and small to ensure more people achieve the dream of safe, affordable homeownership. Visit memphishabitat.com/donate to learn how you can contribute to building a better housing ecosystem in our communities.