NEWS

The Davidson Community Foundation is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and the Town of Davidson to launch a critical home repair program for homeowners in the West Davidson community.

The local effort, which took shape after extensive surveys and listening sessions in conjunction with the Brenda H. Tapia Family Foundation, will help residents stay in their homes and slow displacement from gentrification. Repairs will address code and safety issues, and the goal is to complete 10 projects over the next two years. At its board meeting on Thursday, the Davidson Community Foundation unanimously approved a commitment of $75,000 for each year.

“Keeping homeowners safe, secure and healthy – and preserving Davidson’s vibrant historic communities – has emerged as a priority for us,” says Dave Cable, president of the Davidson Community Foundation’s advisory board.

Mayor Rusty Knox believes this program will encourage opportunities allowing people of all means to live and work in Davidson. “The town is grateful for the foundation’s generosity in helping us reach our strategic goals of anti-displacement, affordable living, and preservation of affordable housing,” Mayor Knox said. “We are committed to maintaining an economically diverse community and providing affordable housing opportunities for people of all income levels and ages.”

Laura Belcher, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, agreed. “Many owner-occupied homes are in need of significant repairs, and homeowners cannot afford the escalating costs. The Critical Home Repair program allows residents who are in jeopardy of being displaced due to the conditions of their homes to live in safety and security while preserving affordable housing in our neighborhoods,” she said. “We are excited about partnering with the Davidson Community Foundation to expand our repair programming in West Davidson.”

Habitat began its Critical Home Repair program in 2007. Participants tend to be older adults who have lived in their communities for many years. “Critical” is defined as anything that poses a threat to health or safety such as unsafe roofs and floors, electrical hazards, plumbing leaks, rot damage and accessibility. To qualify, participants must have owned the house for five years or more; have their name on the deed; and be the primary resident.

Davidson Community Foundation was established by residents in 2020 to bolster nonprofit organizations serving the community. By working with local leaders and donors, its goal is to build and distribute funding to address Davidson’s most pressing needs. This citizen-driven initiative is designed to expand local philanthropy and direct it to where it’s most needed.

Launched at the beginning of the COVID crisis, the foundation immediately raised nearly $500,000 and distributed more than $350,000 in grants to nonprofit partners. That support provided critical assistance to 230 families – more than 750 neighbors in need – for rent/housing, food, medical expenses, utility services and transportation. More recently, it has led community efforts to establish eight permanently affordable housing units in the Parkside Commons (formerly Hoke Development) on Jetton Street and raised $400,000 toward the planned purchase of the units by Davidson Housing Coalition. It also worked with Davidson Housing Coalition to secure $300,000 in grants from Mecklenburg County to subsidize rents for the units.

In June, the Davidson Community Foundation awarded a $22,000 grant to the Town of Davidson to assist residents most severely impacted by Mecklenburg County’s new tax assessments. The support will help as many as 100 residents who qualify for the town’s relief program.

“The new tax assessments were shocking to many residents, particularly in historic West Davidson,” Cable said. “After this emergency assistance gives our neighbors time to adjust to the higher tax bills, we plan to support education about tax relief resources and other nonprofit programs.”

About The Davidson Community Foundation
The Davidson Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of Davidson’s residents, now and for generations to come. For more information, visit the website.

About Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat Charlotte Region brings people together from Pineville to Statesville to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Since 1983, Habitat Charlotte Region has served 4,000 families in Charlotte, Pineville, Davidson, Troutman, Statesville, Huntersville, and Cornelius with solutions for affordable home ownership. Visit the website or call 704-376-2054 to learn more.