Projects and Grants
Bethel Ensley Action Task (BEAT) Rental duplexes
Birmingham, AL
The Bethel Ensley Action Task, (BEAT) a non-profit organization formed by Bethel A.M.E Church to revitalize the Sandy Bottom neighborhood near the church, sought a mortgage on two of five duplexes that it owns. The organization, operating since 1990, has suffered financial and other hardships since 2003. The applicant has indicated that the loan would be used to pay off debts, and ultimately enable the organization to begin acting as a housing developer once again. The goal is to develop seven houses in the next two years.
In seven years, BEAT and many organizations, foundations and volunteers have been responsible for the building of 36 new housing units (26-single family homes and 10 duplex units) in the neighborhood. More than $1 million was spent on new infrastructure, and a community park was built. BEAT was responsible for purchasing, constructing and selling or renting all of the units. BEAT sold single-family homes to low-income purchasers. Duplex units were developed as rental housing owned by BEAT, with the goal of having those units available and affordable for the elderly. BEAT officials indicate that home ownership is still high in the neighborhood, and that the duplexes have rarely undergone a period of less than 100% occupancy in their 15 years of existence.
In October 2006, HECA approved a $119,496 loan to BEAT, Inc
Equal Housing Opportunity