Rehabilitation program begins in Tulsa

CREATED Oct. 1, 2012

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TULSA (FOX 23)  -  Changing lives by repairing foundations. For the first time, through the city's rehabilitation program, three Tulsa families are getting the chance to finally call the place they live home.

Lakesha has been building that vision for years. The single mother just didn't have the means to own a home.
Short on cash, and resources opportunities were few.

"The only thing I can say is just believed in God,” said Lakeshia.

She said those prayers didn't go unanswered.

"The Wells Fargo Bank has given the city the opportunity by giving us homes that are in bad shape that need some help,” said Mayor Dewey Bartlett.

Through that partnership, foreclosed properties around Tulsa are being rehabilitated.

Lakesha signed up for the program and will soon get the keys to a house.

"I'm so very proud of you,” said Bartlett.

While the house comes with money to make improvements, it also comes with responsibilities.
First time home owners in the program must attend classes emphasizing budgeting, maintenance and paying taxes.

"To know that we're actually going to be able to move in here is just a great, great feeling," said Lakeshia.

Homes once foreclosed on, would otherwise sit vacant. Meaning neighbor’s property value suffered.

"Now we're in the final stages, hopefully we'll be able to move in within a month," said Lakeshia.

Each recipient of the rehabilitation program received a $35,000 grant, which will go toward repairs and appliances.