Hope & Community Building

Hope and Community Building is published quarterly by
Hope Community Builders.
Designed and edited by Ken and Deb Layman.

Introducing Phase II of Covenant Heights - HCB subdivision on Rt. 11 South, behind the DMV

What is Covenant Heights? A three-phase subdivision, Covenant Heights consists of duplexes and town homes. Each home is custom designed by Hope Community Builders and qualified homebuyers. Homes are approximately 1,350 square feet in size. Phase I is almost complete with 44 duplexes sold and all units finished or underway.

What is Phase II? There will be 40+ units built in Phase II - duplexes and town homes will be constructed. There will also be a green space for a community park. Work is scheduled to begin this summer. When the engineer completes the drawing and the county approves it, streets and utilities will be installed. Next, the design of homes for each lot will begin, in consultation with each homebuyer.

How do I apply for a home? To purchase a home in Covenant Heights, you must meet the following requirements: be a first-time homebuyer, have an annual income of $20,000-60% of the median income for this area (a family of 4 may earn up to $33,060 and qualify), and have good credit. Visit our website at www.hopecommunitybuilders.org to download an application form. Complete the application and deliver or mail to: Hope Community Builders, 450 Rockingham Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. You will be contacted and if approved, guided through the entire home buying process.

How does Hope Community Builders make homes affordable? Because Hope Community Builders is a Community Housing Development Organization, we access federal and state funds to make our homes affordable. Each homeowner has a mortgage that is affordable for them.

DHCD Conducts Audit

In April, 2006, a total of five representatives from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) conducted an audit of HCB. Over several days, three persons from the state and two federal representatives toured Covenant Heights subdivision, reviewed HCB records and talked with homeowners. They reported that Covenant Heights is the most ethnically diverse housing development of its kind in the state. The representatives recommended that HCB be a model for other fair-housing groups. Because HCB is its own building contractor, and hires its own sub-contractors, day-to-day operations are streamlined and the homebuyer has a positive experience working with one organization instead of many organizations as with other fair housing groups in the state.

New duplexes under construction on Joppa Court.

Homebuyer’s Advisory Committee holds Neighborhood Picnic

The picnic was a great family time!

On June 2, 2006, more that 50 homeowners and HCB staff enjoyed a picnic together at Hillandale Park. Everyone enjoyed foods from many countries and a time of getting to know neighbors and HCB staff better. Children played together on the playground while parents chatted, compared notes on buying their home, found similar interests and everyone took steps to become a better acquainted community.

Meet The Pulido Family

Carlos, Martha, Carlos and Jonathan Pulido

When Carlos and Martha Pulido moved to Harrisonburg from Mexico several years ago, they found housing was just too expensive. They found a home initially in Elkton, but decided it was too far from their work in Harrisonburg. They saw the HCB sign in the Covenant Heights subdivision and decided to inquire. Asrat Gebre explained the entire home buying process. Choosing appliances, fixtures and carpeting in their new home appealed to them and the payments seemed manageable. Carlos and Martha decided to sign the contract to buy a home. Asrat told them to be patient, and they have been. They began the process in March, 2005 and hope to move into their new home at the end of this summer. Carlos and Martha have two sons, Carlos, age 9 and Jonathan, age 4. Carlos is a carpenter and Martha is a teacher assistant for Harrisonburg City Schools. They keep a close eye on the progress of their new home and can’t wait to join the neighborhood.

Rasheed Family Needs Your Help

As you may have seen in the recent news, a family that is a client of Hope Community Builders has suffered a great loss. On April 19, 2006, Nabat Abdullah was killed in an automobile accident while traveling on I-81. She leaves behind a husband, Kareem Rasheed and four children Bahroz Rasheed 15, Basoz Rasheed 12, Eiman Rasheed 8 and Delman Rasheed 7.

The Rasheed family is in the process of having a home built through Hope Community Builders. We have set up a fund to benefit this family. If you’d like to donate toward the cost of the Rasheed home, complete the donation form below. All contributions will be directly applied to this family’s account.

Core Housing Alliance Meets

Asrat Gebre, Michael Wong, Bill Young and Duane Bontrager at the luncheon

In June, 2006 members of the Harrisonburg Rockingham Core Housing Alliance met to share ideas and network together. The lunch meeting was held at Simm’s School. Members listened to a panel discussion concerning the demand for affordable housing in Harrisonburg and hurdles first-time homebuyers face. HCB provided the meal and a display.

HOPE COMMUNITY BUILDERS is a faith-based housing provider whose purpose is to empower residents of Harrisonburg/ Rockingham County and vicinity, by creating a community of fairness, justice, and hope through the provision of safe, decent and affordable housing.

HCB Officers
Conard Washington—Pres.
Wayne Teel—V.P./Treas.
Henry Whitelow - Secretary
Asrat Gebre—CEO

Staff
Duane Bontrager
Eric Beck

HCB Board Members
Don Allen
Pat Blakey
Sarah Sampson
Cephornia Smith

A non-profit Community Housing Development Organization