Housing Development –

The neighborhoods of western Independence provide a diverse housing stock and a strong sense of community.  There are opportunities for homeownership for a wide variety of family sizes and income levels.  With the recent change in school district boundaries, we expect to see more young families moving into the area.

The NorthWest Communities Development Corporation has launched a program for the purchase and rehab of homes in the northwest area and is planning the development of new single family homes in the north Fairmount neighborhood, a total investment estimated at $2.8 million. In the last year, 5 new homes were built in northwest Independence as a result of NorthWest CDC’s efforts. These are the only new houses built in the area in recent years.

Learn about lots that are available for sale, redevelopment or purchase.

Our future plans are:
• Plans developed for new construction of 6-10 new homes on land that has been assembled.
• 4-7 additional properties acquired for development
• Rehab and successful sale of two existing homes
• Recruit and hire help to pursue longer-term development.

Home Repair –

NWCDC provides home repairs for homeowners in Independence that meet certain income guidelines.

We focus our resources on repairs that are necessary to address health and safety concerns, city code violations or major mechanical systems.  For example, we will help address roof repairs, furnaces and hot water heaters, plumbing and electrical repairs. We will also pay for improvements that help with handicap accessibility, such as building ramps, or installing handgrips or wheel chair accessible showers.

The contractors that participate in our Home Repair program are insured and licensed to do business in the City of Independence.

How do I apply?

Please call 816-833-3072 to ask for assistance.

We will need:

- Proof of income for all persons over 18 living at the residence (pay stubs, for example)

  - Proof of home ownership

- Photo identification and social security number of all residents

- A paid real estate tax receipt or proof that taxes have been paid

  - A current homeowners insurance policy

What will happen once I apply?

The Housing Manager for NorthWest CDC will come out to the house and take a look at the problems you are concerned about, take a photograph of them and make a determination as to how we can help. We will work out with you priorities regarding repairs.

We submit the project to the City of Independence for Environmental and Historic Preservation review and approval.  Once approved by the City, we contract with a private contractor to make the repairs and come back out afterward to inspect, making sure the repairs were done properly and that you as the homeowner are satisfied.

Sometimes with some projects, like painting or simple carpentry, we can also mobilize volunteers to make repairs.