Family gets Christmas renovation thanks to block grant

CHRIS PAGANO * cpagano@semissourian.com

The Kreiter's Own Home

At a press conference held Tuesday, Dec. 23 a Cape Girardeau family and all the parties involved in making their dream of a new home come true met at the family's future place of residence.

They are, pictured from left, Devonne Glastetter Wood and Huston Bank vice president mortgage lending supervisor, Nancy Jernigan Area Wide United Way executive director, James E. Williamson Consolidated Community Services Group executive director, Becky Witherby Wood and Huston Bank real estate loan officer, Stephen S. Williams housing assitance coordinator for the city of Cape Girardeau, David DeVault contractor, Daniel Kreiter homeowner; front, from left, Henry Kreiter, Patty Kreiter and Rosemary Kreiter homeowner.Southeast Missourian

Daniel and Rosemary Kreiter of Cape Girardeau have visions of a toy-filled floor dancing in their heads this Christmas.

After renting homes throughout their lives, a Community Development Block Grant has helped the Kreiters purchase and remodel their first home. The couple and two of their children -- Henry, 10, and Patty, 8 -- showcased the house at 307 S. Pacific St. on Tuesday afternoon. The renovation that began Dec. 1 is expected to be completed in March.

"I'm a visionary. I can see the dishes in the cabinets and toys in the playroom.," Rosemary Kreiter said. "Our kids will have a place to call home ... and stability."

In 2002, Cape Girardeau was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for a neighborhood development project. Under this grant, 17 houses will be rehabilitated and three families will be assisted in purchasing their first home.

Organizations that aided in rehabilitating the Kreiter's home included the Area Wide United Way, the block grant program, Wood & Huston Bank, Consolidated Communities Service Group Inc., and the East Missouri Action Agency. For more information on community development block grants, call Stephen Williams at 334-8326.