411 Forsyth

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The Situation

411 Forsythe was a very busy crack-house, and perpetuated constant drug

dealing, prostitution, and theft. A team of drug dealers was squatting in the home. Neighbors had threatened to move away. We approached others to solve the issue—Habitat, churches,

and nonprofits…

We got no responses, so we asked, “Why not us?” We spoke to our

wives, and met to pray. We sought counsel from our church elders, talked to real estate investors,

contractors, community developers, and pastors.

We found out who owned the property, and told him the

situation. We learned that the “tenants” had made an offer to

purchase the home. Not wanting to sell it to drug dealers, the

owner offered it to us for $100 down. After much prayer, we accepted on the condition he

“evict” his squatters.

Chris Bold, a neighbor, promised to buy the homes

across the street if we acquired 411. Those homes were also

used in criminal activity.

The EvictionAfter weeks of raids, waiting,

and calling dispatch, many neighbors met at the home

with law enforcement to carry out the eviction. We put all of

the belongings on the curb, and nailed all of the doors and

windows shut.

Demolition

After letting the property sit vacant for a few weeks, we

began to “clean”.The home was absolutely

disgusting!

We found signs of criminal activity and horrible living conditions.

We also found kids’ report cards, funeral announcements, and toys. We were humbled and saddened as

these items reminded us of the humanity of the image bearers of God who had been living in such

horrible conditions.

The home had no running water. There was dog feces everywhere.

“Cleaning” led to demolition.

As we talked and prayed—we decided we wanted to build a

beautiful, safe, clean, updated property—and to plant

“missional” tenants to love their neighbors and transform

Forsythe Street.

We got our friends involved! We had a few workdays to get

demolition done.

(That’s Jason on the left—he probably tore out half of the

plaster at 411 Forsythe!)

We had prayed about who would live at 411 and God provided a

group of missional guys that felt called to re-neighbor Forsythe

Street. We met to talk and pray on multiple occasions and decided on 5

men who wanted to live at 411.All are actively involved in the

neighborhood, and we are confident that they will help transform that

block.

• We did all of the demolition by volunteer labor from Hope for Augusta, and we started lining up subcontractors, until we were told that we were required to get a General Contractor.

• We spent the next few weeks working to get something together that would work, and we were blessed to work with a non-profit construction company that could help us finish the rehabilitation correctly.

• Action Recovery Team is a construction company that works with the Augusta Drug Court to facilitate the rehabilitation of addicts, and was a God send to have them be a part of rehabilitating a known drug property

We did all of the demolition by volunteer labor from Hope for Augusta, and we started lining up

subcontractors, until we were told that we were required to get a general contractor. We spent the next few weeks working to get something together that

would work.

We were blessed to work with a non-profit construction company

that could help us finish the rehabilitation correctly. Action Recovery Team is a construction

company that works with the Augusta Drug Court to facilitate the rehabilitation of addicts. We were

mutually excited for the opportunity to have Action

Recovery be a part of rehabilitating a known drug property.

The Action Recovery Team coordinated installing a new

foundation, new electrical, new plumbing, insulation, framing

the house, drywall, and building kitchen cabinetry.

The Action Recovery Team coordinated installing a new

foundation, new electrical, new plumbing, insulation, framing

the house, drywall, and building kitchen cabinetry.

The Action Recovery Team coordinated installing a new

foundation, new electrical, new plumbing, insulation, framing

the house, drywall, and building kitchen cabinetry.

The Action Recovery Team coordinated installing a new

foundation, new electrical, new plumbing, insulation, framing

the house, drywall, and building kitchen cabinetry.

With the help of professionals and friends, we refinished the original hardwood floors.

We especially appreciated Ben Kilpatric

and his family as they volunteered professional

flooring experience to this project!

The duplex was painted inside and out with the help of

many volunteers.

We want to highlight our appreciation for Kristin Cotton

as she volunteered at every opportunity to help us complete this project.

We also want to thank the First Presbyterian Church Youth Group who painted the exterior of 411 Forsythe and two houses across

the street as part of their summer mission trip!

In addition to having to rehab the property, we also had to start over with

the yard. This included the city removing a large tree in the front yard, ripping out broken concrete sidewalks,

removing shrubbery, and spreading dirt. We intend to continue our work on

the landscaping and exterior of 411 Forsythe to add some “Curb Appeal”!

411 Forsythe is now fully occupied by six stable young professionals. This is a wonderful contrast from where we began, and we are excited to

see what new opportunities the Lord has in store for us!

Mission

411 Forsythe exists to show how strategically targeted problem properties can be turned into

beautiful, clean, safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for the Glory of

God. 

VisionWe are interested in facilitating

partnerships to create investment opportunities that result in a mixed

income community, increased safety, and amenities to better our

neighborhood.  

Partnerships

• Action Recovery Team • Hope for Augusta

• First Presbyterian Church• Christ Community Health Services• Olde Town Neighborhood Association• Richmond County Government

• Chris Bold• Many Wonderful Volunteers!