Empowering At-Risk Youth: Franklinton Rising Provides Hands-On Construction Training Opportunities
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A significant transformation is unfolding along Chicago Avenue in the Franklinton area of West Columbus, impacting both residences and lives, courtesy of a generous $100,000 grant from the Columbus Realtors Foundation.
Half of this funding, amounting to $50,000, has been allocated to Franklinton Rising, a local group making strides in community development. Steve Wathen, a board member of Franklinton Rising, explained the unique approach: "We use the blighted housing as our training laboratory." This endeavor, he emphasized, instills hope for the future, with a focus on revitalizing neighborhoods through an understanding that communities are fundamentally about people.
Wathen elaborated on the multifaceted mission: "So we’re training these folks, placing them in jobs, breaking the cycle of poverty, and at the same time, the work they’re doing in a training program is restoring and building new affordable housing in these communities."
Lathaniam Covington, who has been involved with the group since high school, shared his experience. "I’ve been learning about remodeling, installation, HVAC. I’ve been learning landscaping, which I’m trying to do. Once I get my license and stuff, I’m gonna go into a landscaping company." Covington expressed a heartfelt connection to the impact of his work, stating, "It makes me feel happy. I'm glad that people can live in it, to get a roof over their head, have their fun chilling at their house, and being with their family, so it feels good."
The grant money will support on-the-job construction training for at-risk youth, aiming to disrupt the cycle of poverty. This investment in skill development aligns with the broader mission of fostering sustainable change within the community.
The remaining $50,000 from the grant will be directed towards Vista Village, a project set to initiate the construction of a gated community of tiny homes near Hamilton and Refugee Roads. This innovative initiative is poised to contribute to the expansion of affordable housing options in the area, marking another positive stride towards community development in Columbus.