FORT WAYNE, Ind (WOWO): Today Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Belay Corporation officials  in opening the doors to two new and one rehabbed home in the 800 block of West Washington Boulevard.

The homes are part of a partnership between the City of Fort Wayne, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the West Central Neighborhood Association, and local developer Belay Corporation to revitalize homes that had been damaged by fire and decades of neglect.

“West Washington is a key corridor out of our downtown,” said Mayor Henry. “Beautifying this block and creating a positive impression for visitors helps not just the homeowners and neighborhood, but also the entire community.”

Most of the funding for this project came from HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program dollars directed to the City of Fort Wayne, with the remaining funds coming from Belay Corporation’s construction line of credit.

“This project was a success due to the strong partnership between our neighborhood, various City departments and Belay Corp; none of us could have been successful on our own,” said Susan Smethers, West Central Neighborhood Association president. “Although leaders have changed over the years, the commitment to housing within our historic boundaries has never wavered.”