VUL Grant Will Benefit All of Its Neighbors

The News & Advance
Published: September 15, 2008

One of the measures of success for an institution of higher learning is what it is doing for the neighborhood beyond its campus boundaries. Is it paying attention to that neighborhood and trying to improve it? Has it taken into consideration the wants and needs of the neighborhood?

In the case of Virginia University of Lynchburg off Campbell Avenue in Fairview Heights, the answer to both questions is “yes.”

The school received word recently it had won a $600,000 federal grant to help improve housing in the immediate neighborhood. VUL is one of only 13 colleges nationwide taking part in the grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It’s a special grant opportunity offered to historically black colleges.

According to a HUD announcement, the money is intended to help selected schools address “pressing community development needs” in their areas.

So how will VUL use the money? The school plans to renovate three deteriorating homes in its surrounding neighborhood of Fairview Heights. It also plans to build two new homes, which will be sold to low- or moderate-income owners.

“This is part of the thrust of our institution,” said Ralph Reavis, president of the school, as he reflected on the importance of community service and social awareness in the immediate community.

“Education is more than just creating transcripts and teaching students,” he added. “It’s about reaching out to the community. ... We’ve graduated countless people over the years who’ve gone on to help upgrade the social condition of their people.”

And that’s exactly what the school hopes to do in Lynchburg.

The housing program will include help from city government, along with other community organizations. Among them are the Jubilee Family Development Center, Lynchburg College and Bank of the James, which has agreed to help the future new homeowners secure financing.

Renovations are restricted to homes owned and occupied by low-income residents. Improvements will be made at no cost to those families. The selection process is still under consideration, said Reavis.

Ward II City Councilman Ceasor Johnson, whose district includes Fairview Heights, said projects such as this are an “important piece of the puzzle” when it comes to addressing such nagging issues as housing rehabilitation in the city.

“This is great news,” he said. “It will be a wonderful asset for that community.”

While he was at it, Johnson praised Reavis for his work at VUL, saying the president has “done a wonderful job of pursuing innovative ideas.”

The housing improvement program is good for Virginia University of Lynchburg. It’s also good for the city. And the grant will benefit a number of people in that neighborhood, which is the point of the program. President Reavis and the staff at VUL deserve the credit for pursuing — and winning — the federal grant.