Box 5, Folder 3, Document 3

Box 5, Folder 3, Document 3

July 30, 1969

Mr. James R. Caldwell

Housing Intern

The Lauderdale Crockett Economic Opportunity Corporation
P.O. Box 379

Ripley, Tennessee 38063

Dear Mr. Caldwell:

Mr. Dan Sweat has asked me to reply to your letter to him
of July 24, concerning funds for a self-help program in rural
housing.

Your objective is not an easy one and most experienced
builders tend to shy away from self-help programs. Those
who are willing to participate in such programs generally agree
that it is not practical to attempt to utilize more than about
10-15% of the labor force as self-help.

We have had very little actual experience in this field
here in Atlanta, although it has been considered in a number
of instances,

The most successful approach that I know of in coping
with the situation in which you are interested is through the
Farmers Home Administration. We looked into this some time
ago and I am enclosing copy of a memorandum I prepared on the
matter at that time. It may be helpful to you.

A very successful project under this program is being
developed in the Ellenwood community in south DeKalb County,
Georgia. The builder is Lincoln Jones, a Negro carpenter,
who has quite a substantial development going on land he
originally owned, His address is 4480 Sims Road, Ellenwood,
Decatur, Georgia, Tel. Atlanta, Area Code 404, 241-3537.

Other programs under the 1968 National Housing Act
which may offer some solutions to your problem are the FHA
235 and 235 (j) programs which are designed to provide single
family home ownership. These programs do not require a
Workable Program as does the FHA 221 d(3) program and may


Mr. James R. Caldwell
July 30, 1969
Page Two

apply in rural areas as well as in urban areas. Your State
FHA office can provide you with detailed information on both
of these programs.

Trusting that the above may be of some help to you.

Sincerely,

Malcolm D, Jones
Housing Coordinator

MDJ/mo
Encl; Copy of Memorandum

cc: Mr. Dan E. Sweat, Jr.

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