Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Contact: Jen Flood, Byrum & Fisk Communications, (517) 333-1606
BATTLE CREEK—Ahead of the holidays, the Calhoun County Land Bank, chaired by Treasurer Christine Schauer, has donated a home to Levi Jenkins, a disabled veteran in Battle Creek.
“Today’s announcement is a win-win for our community—we’re celebrating a happy ending for the Jenkins family, and the opportunity to give back to someone who has sacrificed so much for our country,” said Christine Schauer, Land Bank Board Chair and County Treasurer. “Keeping families in their homes is one of my top priorities and we’re so please to have found a creative solution to keeping Mr. Jenkins and his family in their home.”
Jenkins was purchasing the house under a land contract. When the seller didn’t hold up his end of the deal and failed to pay property taxes, the house went through tax foreclosure. The property was then purchased by the Calhoun County Land Bank, where it was held until today’s announcement.
“I’m so grateful to Christine Schauer, the Land Bank and Legal Services for finding a way for me and my family to stay in our home,” said Battle Creek resident Levi Jenkins. “We just want to be responsible homeowners, and now we can move forward with repairs and renovations to our home.”
Jenkins served in the Vietnam War and later worked as a police officer, ran a detective agency and owned a company that trained security officers.
“We’re so glad to offer a solution to the Jenkins family using one of the Land Bank’s tools to benefit the community,” said Krista Trout-Edwards, executive director of the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority. “Today’s announcement is what the Land Bank is all about—improving neighborhoods and finding unique partnerships and solutions to the challenges we face to move Calhoun County forward.”
“We’re so happy that the Jenkins family will stay in their home and finally have the closure they need and deserve,” said Megan Reynolds, managing attorney for Legal Services of South Central Michigan. “I couldn’t think of a better way to thank a veteran this holiday season.”
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