DHA & Habitat for Humanity Celebrate Completion of Ambitious Affordable Homeownership Initiative
DHA/Building Blocks.
Durham Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity of Durham Celebrate Completion of Ambitious Affordable Homeownership Initiative.
An ambitious partnership between the two organizations has created 37 new affordable homes.
Durham Housing Authority (DHA) and Habitat for Humanity of Durham (HFHD) are pleased to announce the completion of the Building Blocks initiative, resulting in 37 new affordable homes in East Durham.
These two local organizations partnered to revitalize the former site of Few Gardens, which was once a public housing complex. Located adjacent to DHA's Franklin Village, this development will further bolster the surrounding East Durham community. With a poverty level of 90%, this community was targeted as a severely distressed area. On these sites now sit 37 new, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for Durham families.
The Durham Housing Authority used Home VI funds to pay for the subdivision of the lots, as well as infrastructure costs. Habitat for Humanity of Durham partnered with the DHA to build on the homes, and to provide homeownership counseling and mortgage assistance to home buyers.
Thanks to this strategic partnership, more than 150 Durham residents now enjoy living in an affordable home of their own. Residents include original Few Gardens families and other clients of the housing authority. One of those buyers is Monique, who through this partnership became the first person in her family to own a home. Prior to becoming a homeowner, Monique and her three children were forced to move three times in 18 months. Now a proud owner of a house of her very own, she hopes to pass the benefits on to her children. "I'm excited to provide something that they'll be able to grow up in, and one day will be theirs," she said.
As home prices continue to rise, access to affordable homeownership opportunities has become more important than ever.
With the help of the Durham community, DHA and HFHD look forward to continuing their partnership and embarking on more initiatives that will bring more affordable homeownership opportunities to the city. These organizations envision an equitable Durham where all families can access homeownership. It's essential that the local community commits to helping make this vision a reality. Support and advocacy from Durham residents, businesses and other community organizations is needed to make space for affordable housing as our city grows.
About Durham Housing Authority
The Durham Housing Authority is the largest provider of affordable housing in Durham, North Carolina. Its mission is develop, own, manage and contribute to diverse communities of choice. For more information, please visit: www.durhamhousingauthority.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Durham has built, sold, and financed more than 450 homes in partnership with low-income Durham neighbors, providing stability and brighter futures for more than 1,000 Durham youth. Durham Habitat has repaired more than 500 existing affordable homes so that Durham homeowners can age in place with dignity. For more information, please visit www.durhamhabitat.org.
