Winter, 2005  |
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| Hope and Community Building is published quarterly by Hope Community Builders. Designed and edited by Ken and Deb Layman. |
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| Covenant Heights Project Launched
Work began January, 2004 on Covenant Heights, our newest subdivision. Phase I of the project includes the construction of 44 duplexes on Rt. 11 South, behind the Division of Motor Vehicles. Land was purchased from . Grace Covenant Church. The Department of Housing and Community Development gave a forgivable loan of $639,300 for infrastructure development—building streets, curbs, utilities, etc. Hope Community Builders (HCB) has access to these funds because it is recognized by the federal government as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). These federal funds, which are administered by the state, consist exclusively of State of Virginia HOME funds set aside for CHDO-eligible activities. According to Asrat Gebre, HCB CEO, 20 homebuyers have been approved to have homes built for them in Covenant Heights. Duane Bontrager, Construction Supervisor , has 12 duplexes started with the first one anticipated to be finished January, 2005. Each duplex is unique; qualified homebuyers assist in the design and layout of their home. Homebuyers must meet eligibility requirements including income, good credit and paying 1% of the appraised value of the home at the time of closing. The Covenant Heights project includes a total of 125 homes in three phases over the course of six years. Duplexes and townhomes will be constructed. If you are a first time homebuyer or know of someone who is looking for affordable housing, contact us and we’ll be glad to go over the qualifications of building a home with you. |
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| Kelly/Tower Construction Complete Construction of 11 homes on Kelly and Tower streets was completed in September, 2004. This project was a coordinated effort of many organizations. The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority made a gift of the undeveloped lots on Kelly/Tower streets free and clear. They also provided an interest free revolving construction loan of $150,000 for the project and HCB may continue to use this construction loan for the Covenant Heights subdivision. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development gave a grant of $106,000 for infrastructure development of Kelly/Tower from the HOME Fund and provided $55,000 for administrative support from the CHDO assistance fund. The City of Harrisonburg gave a grant of $34,000 for street improvements on Kelley/Tower and the Federal Home Loan Bank gave a grant of $24,500 for closing cost assistance for seven homes. Now 11 families are enjoying the benefits and responsibilities of home ownership and are becoming a community. |
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Zoning Revisions Approved by City Council Harrisonburg City Council took action in November, 2004 to make sweeping changes to the city’s zoning code. The revisions are designed to increase the number of home owners in our city where most people rent homes. Over 60% of housing in the city is in rentals; whereas the average for the state is 31%. These changes to the zoning code will allow HCB and other builders increased flexibility in developing planned neighborhoods with a good mix of homes, retail shops and recreational facilities. |
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Mullens Settling Into New Home
Dennis and Cheryl Mullen, along with their children Justin, Melissa, Rachel and Nicki have enjoyed living in their own home for a year. They moved into a new four bedroom home on Kelley Street December, 2003. They closed on their 30-year mortgage in December, 2004. HCB coordinated an effort to assist the Mullens with medical expenses that were not covered by insurance. With those bills taken care of, they can now enjoy being homeowners. Says Cheryl, “I think it’s a blessing. I think the most astonishing thing is my children. Their self-esteem has changed.” Justin has been given a full scholarship to Blue Ridge Community College. Rachel, who is deaf and autistic, is enjoying friends in school and is being mainstreamed in several classes. She is teaching the neighbor children sign language and each of the Mullen children are inviting others over to play at the their new home. “Living in a decent and clean home has made a whole lot of difference in our family,” exclaims Cheryl. “If you would have seen us a year ago and again today, you wouldn’t recognize us. Our whole family has changed.” |
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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 Cheryl Talley |
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Hope Community Builders 450 Rockingham Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802-5315 Phone: 540.433.0152 Email: gebrea@adelphia.net  |
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