NEWS

Davidson Housing Coalition (DHC) has received a $35,000 grant from the Davidson Community Foundation to support the addition of three to four new rental units to its Creekside Corner neighborhood. The units will serve residents whose incomes are 80% or less of area median income.

The project will also include a community room space for programming and use by residents. DHC expects the first new unit to be available by Fall 2024 and hopes to complete the full expansion project by the end of 2025. “Davidson Community Foundation (DCF) is a stalwart partner for us,” said Connie Wessner, DHC’s executive director. “We are grateful to the DCF Board for so quickly signing on to support this renovation and redevelopment project.”

She emphasized the critical role that partnership and collaboration have played in creating new affordable housing options in Davidson. “Land donations from the Town and the College and access to low- and no-interest construction funds from forward-thinking bankers and investors brought the first 59 rental units we built out of the ground. We need those same sorts of partnerships to continue to build,” added Wessner. “DCF’s willingness to take a lead role in that regard is inspiring.”

The Creekside expansion comes at a time when DCF is also playing a pivotal role in bringing eight affordable townhomes to market at Parkside Commons for eligible buyers. “Our community needs a combination of rental units and homeownership opportunities that can remain affordable for years to come,” said Chris Ahearn, Davidson Community Foundation chair.

Ahearn continued, “We appreciate DHC’s work in creating solutions for local residents and look forward to seeing the Creekside Corner neighborhood grow to serve more families.”

According to Wessner, the Creekside project reflects DHC’s commitment to reinvigorating affordable rental construction in Davidson. “We want to be actively engaged in the community’s larger consideration of how publicly-held land can and should contribute to Davidson’s affordable rental inventory,” she explained.

“In the meantime, the itch to get moving prompted us to reassess our office space and take a second look at how to better leverage the space we do have.”

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Davidson Housing Coalition is a North Carolina, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation with a mission to preserve and create affordable housing options and to prepare families and individuals for financial stability and home ownership. Founded in 1997, DHC has created 59 affordable rental units and 14 land-lease home ownership opportunities for people who earn less than 80% of area median income.

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Davidson Community Foundation is a local philanthropic fund established by residents in 2020 to bolster nonprofit organizations serving our unique community. Guided by a diverse board of leaders, the foundation aims to expand philanthropic efforts in the community and direct funding where it is most needed. It has raised more than $1.2 million, providing assistance for transformative projects that will enhance the lives of Davidson residents.

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For more information about Creekside Corner and the work of DHC, contact Connie Wessner, Executive Director, at her email, or by phone at 704 892-4486

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