Nonprofit purchasing vacant properties, revitalizing Shelby Park neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A Louisville nonprofit is purchasing and renovating vacant properties in the Shelby Park neighborhood in hopes of revitalizing the community.

Access Ventures is partnering with local to churches to improve the community. However, their calling doesn't end with the finished product.

"We can fix homes and we can provide homes to people who are in need of good quality homes, but if we don't help them get jobs to afford those homes then we really haven't done much in the community. So now we're looking at microfinancing and as well as other solutions," Bryce Butler said.

Sojourn Community Church is also a part of the process. "We are literally calling members of our congregation to move into these restored homes and to engage the neighborhood residents to enter into deep relationships and have them over for meals and journey with them over the long haul," Nathan Ivey said.

Access Ventures has purchased 17 units so far, including apartments and houses.

"We really feel like in the context of a neighborhood and in partnership with local churches - there's a real life on life impact. That's where we can really see change happen," Butler said.

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