Opa-Locka's Triangle neighborhood, for decades one of the more crime-ridden parts of Miami-Dade county, is about to get a makeover with the help of Habitat for Humanity. Demolition started this week on properties in poor condition to clear home sites for more than 2 dozen single family homes.

The project, concentrated in the Washington Avenue area of the Triangle, will bring home-ownership to the area for up to 26 families who will help build their own home. That method of investment in the home and the neighborhood is one of the key ways Habitat for Humanity helps turned troubled neighborhoods around.

The county made the land available to Habitat for Humanity for the construction project.

Miami-Dade county already has more than $3 million reserved for rehabilitation and beautification in the area, which is notorious for crime like drug use and prostitution. The county has been giving homeowners in the area up to $5900 to beautify their properties with painting and landscaping.

Homeowners who meet income and need requirements can also get up to $30 thousand for more extensive repairs. To date, the county said it has helped improve more than 100 homes.

The construction of new homes will help expand the neighborhood improvements as well as offering people who would otherwise be forced to rent to enjoy the benefits of home ownership. See the article