Super bowl homeless project

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - While the 2012 Super Bowl will be played here, it will come and it will go. But there are Super Bowl Projects here in the city that will last a lifetime.

Linda Vasquez lives in the St. Clair neighborhood. She says it's quiet but she worries about her daughter’s safety.

It's estimated 40 percent of the homes in this area are either vacant or abandoned.

Linda Vasquez, resident, says, “Some people might want to set them on fire.
That house next door, that was set on fire a couple weeks ago.”

But Vasquez is excited by what's happening a few doors down.

Construction workers have started the task of remodeling a duplex.

Thirty-two houses in the area that will eventually become homes for homeless families.

The building is part of the City's Super Bowl Housing legacy project. The goal is to revitalize the near eastside. Funding comes from a public private partnership.

“In 2012 and beyond, long after those Super Bowl guests leave, our city and specifically the near east side will continue to shine and grow because of this legacy project,” said Mayor Greg Ballard

The neighborhood needs help. Outside, a house is boarded up. Another house is missing siding. And across an ally, there are more abandoned homes and graffiti.

“Abandoned homes, it's nice to see they are fixing them up. I want to say for the kids sake. They shouldn't have to live in something like this,” said Vasquez.

While the focus now is to repair and rebuild 32 homes by the end of 2012, the project goal is to improve between 150 and 200 homes.