Cape’s Future Starts at Home
City partners with PORCH to expand homeownership through public investment
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Aug. 17, 2026)—The City of Cape Girardeau (City) and People Organized to Revitalize Community Healing (PORCH) Initiative today announced they have formalized their partnership to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to enable homeownership for income-qualified residents and advance community reinvestment for years to come.
CDBG funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan prioritizes housing rehabilitation, homeownership and neighborhood stability while emphasizing responsible stewardship of public funds. It identifies collaboration with PORCH as part of the City’s strategy to extend the effectiveness of federal housing resources and maximize community impact.
“My predecessor, Scott Meyer, asked me to prioritize supporting the PORCH Initiative. He played a key role in introducing it to Cape and remains enthusiastic about their progress,” said Dr. Kenneth Haskin, Cape Girardeau city manager. “Having launched a successful CDBG program in Texarkana, I believe that when managed effectively, this approach holds significant potential to transform our community.“
The three-year Master Developer Agreement, with two optional one-year renewals, designates PORCH as the City’s Master Developer for CDBG-funded housing activities serving low-and moderate-income homebuyers. Projects will move forward case by case through individual Project Addenda that define the work, funding, timelines and milestones. The agreement does not guarantee funding, giving the City flexibility to approve projects as opportunities arise.
Under the agreement:
- The City will conduct environmental reviews, monitor compliance and performance, process reimbursements and maintain required HUD reporting.
- PORCH will acquire and rehabilitate residential properties, verify buyer eligibility, oversee required CDBG documentation and financial reporting, then sell completed homes to income-qualified buyers.
Proceeds from home sales are treated as program income and may be used for additional eligible housing activities, with the use of those funds defined per project.
The agreement bridges the gap between public resources and homeownership by pairing CDBG dollars with PORCH’s end-to-end model for rehabilitation and homeowner support. Together, this expands the City’s capacity to return vacant properties to productive use.
“Investing in housing is only part of the equation,” said Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck, PORCH board chair.“This partnership connects that investment to people, creating the conditions for sustainable homeownership and a community positioned to carry that progress forward to the next generation.”
The partnership creates a consistent path for the work to continue beyond a single project, funding cycle or leadership team.
The civic return reaches further, adding to the local tax base and helping counteract disinvestment in aging properties. This direction aligns with Cape Girardeau Vision 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s preferred Retrofit and Redevelopment approach, which looks to existing developed areas to accommodate more residents without overtaxing public services and infrastructure.
Investment in Cape’s people and places today will become part of how the city grows tomorrow.
About the City of Cape Girardeau
The City of Cape Girardeau is committed to serving its residents, businesses, and visitors with excellence, transparency and innovation. As a unified organization, we strive to provide high-quality services that enhance the quality of life, promote economic growth and foster a strong sense of community. The Cape Vision 2040 Comprehensive Plan represents the collective vision of residents, businesses and organizations, serving as a long-term blueprint for the city’s future. For more information about our services and initiatives, visit www.cityofcape.org or email publicinfo@cityofcape.org.
About PORCH Initiative
PORCH Initiative (People Organized to Revitalize Community Healing) is a resident-led organization that creates pathways to sustainable homeownership and neighborhood revitalization in South Cape Girardeau. Through education, wellness and community partnerships, PORCH equips residents with the tools and resources to build generational wealth. Since 2023: 10 homeowners, $1.2M+ reinvested into Cape Girardeau real estate and $5,000+ in annual property tax revenue for the local economy. For more information about PORCH's housing program, email housing@lovesouthcape.org.