One of the things that the Alton Housing and Cleanup Initiative (AHI) has done is identify lots in Alton that had dilapidated structures on them and clean them up at no cost to the owner. The intent was to return them to a buildable condition so that the lots could be sold to be built upon or built upon by the current owner. Prior to the clean-up it was not cost effective for a lot owner to pay for the demolition ($3,00 to $5,000) when an average lot in Alton would sell for around $100-$3,000. Donation of time/money is not required from the owner, but if they want to "pay it forward" to see more progress for future lots, they may do so.

     Above is a picture of the first new home in Alton that is being built as a result of the program. The original owner was an out-of-town hunter who intended to either sell the lot or someday build upon it but was delaying because of the cost of taking down the dilapidated structure and trees and the dirt work involved. AHI contacted the owner and explained the initiative with the intent that the lot be built upon  within a reasonable time frame. After the lot was cleaned up by the Alton Housing Initiative with Rex Johnston Construction, Nation Builders Ministries, and several volunteers the owner decided to sell the lot to Roger and Gwen Cooper. Roger and Gwen have invested their own time and money into building this cute 1 bedroom house that will be perfect for a couple or an individual to make Alton their home.

     Another function of the AHI is to obtain lots to build quality economical housing. We have obtained two lots across from the City Park, one of which we have for sale. The other lot will have a family sized 1,200 square foot home built upon it with substantial funding from the Osborne County Commissioners. The Osborne County Community Foundation has given a generous grant to AHI designed to assist the various cities in Osborne County with infrastructure or housing needs. We are seeking additional funding so that the house may be built and paid for by the AHI and then sold to a private owner. The money from the sale can be rolled back into the program to build the next house. This can be repeated until the housing needs of Alton are met.