Rochester program aims to encourage homeownership

ROCHESTER N.Y. (WHEC) — The City of Rochester has selected the Greater Rochester Housing partnership to build 24 new homes in the city.

Mayor Malik Evans made the announcement Monday morning as part of the city’s "Buy the Block" program, which is designed to encourage homeownership. Money from the American Rescue Plan is paying for the program.

Congressman Joe Morelle says it’s the beginning of righting the wrongs to people of color from decades of redlining.

"Rooted in systemic racism, this discriminatory practice of denying services to those living in communities deemed hazardous to investment has left an indelible scar on those in our community,” Morelle said. “This has negatively affect an entire generation of our city’s residents. Now we have a duty to correct the mistakes of the past.”

Six homes are slated for completion by this fall. You can begin applying for a home this summer.