The Community Action Agency in Jackson has been awarded a $225,000 state grant to acquire and rehabilitate three abandoned or foreclosed properties for resale.

The proceeds from the sale of the homes would be used to develop additional units in the Jackson area.

"We have to rehab (the homes) to a point where they will be sellable and livable," said Jessie Murray, spokeswoman for the Community Action Agency. "It will turn into affordable housing opportunities for people in Jackson."

Murray said the project will help reduce some of the blight in the community, which has experienced a record number of foreclosures due to the struggling economy.

The Community Action Agency is also involved in a revitalization plan for Partnership Park — the neighborhood bound by Francis, Morrell and Blackstone streets, and Washington Avenue. The plan includes rehabilitating rental properties and purchasing foreclosed properties.

"I am very pleased the Community Action Agency will receive these much needed funds to help stabilize local neighborhoods," state Rep. Martin Griffin, D-Jackson, said in a news release Tuesday. "This will be a great benefit to the entire community as the profits from the sale of the homes will be reinvested into the community."

There is no word yet on when the project would start or what houses would be rehabilitated and sold.