Habitat Craven County received Open Doors Homeownership Grant of $15,000 from CAHEC

Habitat for Humanity of Craven CountyHabitat for Humanity of Craven County has received an Open Doors Homeownership Grant of $15,000 from CAHEC, a nonprofit equity syndicator headquartered in Raleigh, NC.  Non-profit developers, such as Habitat for Humanity, were eligible to apply for one of three grants offered among eleven states to support affordable housing for sale to low-income households.

“This was a particularly competitive grant application, so we are honored to be one of just three recipients to be selected for support,” said Mike Williams, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Craven County. The requirements for consideration included a commitment to build a minimum of five new affordable homes for purchase by households earning 80 percent or less of the area’s median income. In addition, residents of the local and low-income community must be able to participate in the home construction process, and homeownership training before and after the purchase of the home.

Because Habitat for Humanity of Craven County is extremely dependent on volunteers to meet new home construction goals, ensuring their safety on the build sites is a priority. Funds from CAHEC’s Open Doors Homeownership Grant will be used to purchase new scaffolding and safety systems that will allow volunteers to safely perform exterior siding and roofing tasks.

Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Craven County has completed 66 homes in New Bern and Havelock, NC, impacting over 98 adults and over 120 children. It is also worth noting that mortgages on 14 of these homes have been fully paid off by their owners. Plans through June of 2019 include new construction of five homes as well as implementation of a program for repairs and rebuilding of 50-55 homes impacted by Hurricane Florence in September.

“Given our work plans for the coming months, there is no question the Open Doors Homeownership Grant will enhance our job site safety as we continue to work to bring strength, stability and self-reliance to low-income families in our community,” said Executive Director, Mike Williams.

Submitted by: Deedra Durocher, Craven County Habitat for Humanity