BISNET HIGHLIGHTS

ARKANSAS SUCCESS STORIES

TOPIC:	Affordable Housing Development
LOCATION:	Pine Bluff, Arkansas
CONTACT:	Henry Golatt: (870) 543-8030 Golatt_H@vx4500.uapb.edu
OUTCOME:	Affordable Housing Development and Job Creation

Southeast Arkansas (SEARK) Community Builders, Inc. is a general construction company incorporated in June 1994 as a for-profit wholly- owned affiliate of the Southeast Arkansas Community Development Corporation (SEACDC). SEARK was established for the purpose of producing affordable housing and creating community-based employment opportunities. Since it began operations in November 1996, the company has constructed four (4) three-bedroom single family homes and is in the process of completing the fifth. Three (3) of the homes constructed by the company have since been sold by the parent corporation (SEACDC) and are currently occupied by their new owners. After completing its first year incubation, the company is on SEACDC's threshold of major expansion. That expansion has been boosted by receipt of a $349,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Community Services. That award will enable the company to purchase construction equipment, vehicles, hire additional staff, and purchase a building to house the firm.

Operating in tandem with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a training program is being offered to prepare future construction workers for employment with SEARK and other construction companies operating in the region.

During the first year of operation, SEARK met all of its goals (start-up, procurement, and staffing). Based on early projections, it is anticipated that the firm will exceed its procurement objectives for the second year by 100 percent. Hence, the future for SEARK Community Builders, Inc. is bright.