CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Sometimes neighborhoods with good people need an extra boost to improve living conditions.

West Virginia lawmakers are backing a project to make that happen with some serious cash.

$2.5 million left over from an economic development bond will be used to fund housing initiatives in low-income neighborhoods with minority populations. Non-profit groups will be eligible to apply for grants that will create and improve housing in areas where property neglect is a problem.

Groups that have some sort of job training component will be given priority for the money.

Thursday, Governor Joe Manchin signed a bill that allows the West Virginia Housing Development Fund to take the lead on this project.

The hope is that home substantiality will create a ripple effect in communities.

"When you look for economic development what you have to have is some type of starter where there are funds created to help small businesses particularly non-profits eat the elephants lets say, one bite at a time," Kenneth Hale with the NAACP said.

Delegate Carrie Webster (D-Kanawha) says this type of project could help groups become eligible for thousands of dollars in federal funding.

If your non-profit organization would like to apply for a grant, call 1-800-933-9843.