SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Construction will soon start on 45 new homes on Springfield’s east side as Nehemiah Expansion Inc. begins the fifth phase of its affordable housing project.

Calvary Missionary Baptist Church founded Nehemiah Expansion in 1999, led by Reverend Silas Johnson. The organization’s mission is to serve the community through four areas: education, childcare, after-school programs, and affordable housing.

Since its founding, Nehemiah has built 120 homes. These homes are all in the same blocks near Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

“It is needed, and we cannot build fast enough,” Ward 3 Alderman Roy Williams said. “And this ain’t unique to Springfield. This is across the whole country. There are housing shortages.”

Alderman Williams and other leaders said many people are forced to live in poor conditions because they can’t afford any better options. Reverend Johnson said this is why the organization prioritizes high-quality housing.

“I am not going to build anything I wouldn’t live in,” said Johnson. “It’s a marvelous feeling and a humbling feeling at the same time, that we can provide affordable housing to individuals who don’t have to worry about going into moldy houses or houses with no roof on it.”

The 45 new homes will be 2 to 4 bedrooms, with at least 1.5 baths. Each home will also have a 2-car garage.

“Where there were vacant lots, we have seen new houses come up,” said State Senator Doris Turner. “And that’s not just a house. That’s a home for someone; that’s a place where people can feel safe, they can feel comfortable, and they can raise their children and their children have a place to come home to.”

Johnson said Nehemiah Expansion currently has 350 on its waiting list to get into housing. The organization doesn’t plan to stop building homes anytime soon.