Habitat in the News

Habitat Catawba Valley Delivers Strength and Security to Four New Families in Time for the New Year

Habitat Catawba Valley Delivers Strength and Security to Four New Families in Time for the New Year

 

Hickory, NC (Jan. 15, 2025)-

Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is proud to announce the completion and dedication of four new homes to round out 2024, providing strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter to four local families. This milestone marks a celebratory end to 2024 and underscores Habitat’s commitment to building hope and homes in the Catawba Valley community. In total, Habitat Ca-tawba Valley completed 8 homes in 2024.

The four new homeowners—Kisha B., Hailey H., Zach & Jodie G., and one anonymous homebuy-er—embarked on this journey to homeownership with determination and resilience. Through their hard work and partnership with Habitat, they have achieved a life-changing milestone that will foster security and opportunity for years to come. 

A Year of Building and Achieving

“2024 was a banner year for Habitat Catawba Valley, and we are thrilled to end it by celebrating the success and dedication of these remarkable families,” said Jenna Ross, Vice President of Habitat Catawba Valley. “The completion of these homes represents a collaborative effort among our homeowners, volunteers, donors, and community partners, and it exemplifies the transformative power of affordable housing.”

Each of the new homeowners contributed hundreds of hours of sweat equity, working side-by-side with volunteers to build their homes and complete educational programs focused on financial literacy and home maintenance. Their commitment has paid off, and these families now have a safe, stable place to call home.

A Glimpse into the Families’ Journeys

  • Kisha B.: A grandmother raising her 3 granddaughters, Kisha has been dreaming of providing her family with a safe and stable environment to grow and thrive. Her new home is a testament to her determination and the support of her community, and will be the foundation on which she helps her granddaughters successfully move into adulthood.
  • Hailey H.: As a single mother of one, Hailey’s journey with Habitat has empowered her to build a brighter future. Her new home is a symbol of independence and opportunity for her and her young daughter.
  • Zach & Jodie G.: This hardworking couple has been committed to creating a loving and secure environment for their young family. Their new home represents a fresh start and a place to build lasting memories for their 3 children.
  • Anonymous Homebuyer: Our fourth homeowner shares a story of perseverance and hope. This milestone marks a significant step toward a secure and stable future.

Community Support Makes It Possible 

Habitat Catawba Valley’s mission is made possible through the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the strength of partnerships with local businesses and organizations. The completion of these four homes highlights the collective impact of these efforts, demonstrating how our community can come together to create a brighter future for all.

Looking Ahead

As Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley reflects on the successes of 2024, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission in 2025 and beyond. With more projects on the horizon, Habitat invites the community to join its efforts by volunteering, donating, or advocating for affordable housing.

 

About Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley

Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. By providing affordable housing solutions, Habitat empowers families to achieve the strength and stability they need to build a better future. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring our Ridgeview Phase III Campaign, please click below. 

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Habitat Catawba Valley Dedicates Three New Homebuyers in Ridgeview Community

Habitat Catawba Valley Dedicates Three New Homebuyers in Ridgeview Community

 

Hickory, NC (Sept. 14, 2024)-

On Sept. 14, Habitat Catawba Valley hosted “Rock the Block,” a special dedication event in our Ridgeview Place community. The celebration welcomed three new homeowners, bringing together family, friends, and Habitat supporters. The ceremony included blessings for the homes, marking an important milestone in each homeowner’s journey with Habitat. These homes offer more than just shelter—they provide stability and a fresh start for the families.

Take a look at some images from the day: 

New homeownership cohort members also joined in, gathering sweat equity hours and connecting with the community. “Rock the Block” highlighted the strength of our community as we all came together to celebrate and support the new homeowners. A big thank you to our volunteers, donors, and partners for making events like this possible. Here’s to building homes, hope, and a brighter future—one family at a time!

Here are a few members of our newest cohort:  

As we at Habitat Catawba Valley are nearing completion of this pocket community at Ridgefield Place, we are gearing up to finish out 6 new home builds in Ridgeview. Recently, we announced that they are now formally accepting corporate, foundational, faith based, and individual / private sponsorship opportunities for the homesites at The Cottages at Ridgeview, Phase III. This presents an exceptional opportunity for community partners to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community investment. Through sponsorship, organizations can play a direct role in addressing the critical need for affordable housing in our community.

Sponsoring partners will have their names listed on our community sponsorship board, will have access to priority volunteer booking dates, as well as many other amazing benefits outlined in our benefit guide. By joining forces with Habitat Catawba Valley, organizations and individuals can align their values with action and contribute to positive change in our community.

For businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Walter Cantwell at 828.328.4663 ext. 108 or [email protected], or visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org/sponsor to learn more.

 

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Habitat Catawba Valley and the Catawba County Chamber Break Ground on The Cottages at Ridgeview Phase III

Habitat Catawba Valley and the Catawba County Chamber Break Ground on The Cottages at Ridgeview Phase III

 

Hickory, NC (Aug 29, 2024)-

Habitat Catawba Valley was delighted to host the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce for a groundbreaking ceremony in Ridgeview recently. Chamber leadership, ambassadors, community leaders, Habitat staff, local media outlets, and many others were on hand to help us kick of this milestone event. The Cottages at Ridgeview, Phase III is a remarkable project that will see an additional 6 new homes built and will cap off a 5 year investment of time, money, and sweat equity in this part of the Ridgeview community. 

“It’s a privilege and an honor to help someone fulfill the dream that they have for their family. It’s certainly a dream that I have for my family”

Sharaday Black, Homebuyer in Progress

Watch the Channel 9 WSOC Article on the Groundbreaking

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, August 29. The Cottages at Ridgeview, Phase III represents a significant step forward in Habitat Catawba Valley’s mission to create sustainable and inclusive neighborhoods. Through collaboration with local partners and the dedication of our volunteers, they are transforming vacant lots into homes filled with hope, stability, and opportunity. The homes in Ridgeview Phase III are more than just buildings; they are symbols of hope and resilience. They represent the culmination of hard work, dedication, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live.

In addition to the groundbreaking, Habitat Catawba Valley is pleased to announce that they are now formally accepting corporate, foundational, faith based, and individual / private sponsorship opportunities for the homesites at The Cottages at Ridgeview, Phase III. This presents an exceptional opportunity for community partners to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community investment. Through sponsorship, organizations can play a direct role in addressing the critical need for affordable housing in our community.

Sponsoring partners will have their names listed on our community sponsorship board, will have access to priority volunteer booking dates, as well as many other amazing benefits outlined in our benefit guide. By joining forces with Habitat Catawba Valley, organizations and individuals can align their values with action and contribute to positive change in our community.

For businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Walter Cantwell at 828.328.4663 ext. 108 or [email protected], or visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org/sponsor to learn more.

 

become a sponsor

Habitat Catawba Valley Welcomes a Family Home in Time for the Holidays

Habitat Catawba Valley Celebrates the Conclusion of Robin’s Homeownership Journey

 

Hickory, NC (December 12, 2023)-

On Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, Robin Jakubowski closed on her own Habitat home. Robin enrolled in the Habitat Catawba Valley homeownership program in 2019. One of the most exciting moments in a Habitat homebuyer’s journey is the opportunity for a family to select the lot for their future home – and right from the start, Robin had her heart set on one of two cottages slated for Habitat’s F Avenue builds. Shortly into her journey as a homebuyer, COVID 19 struck the world. Pandemic-related cost increases, materials shortages, and staffing constraints meant that Habitat could only build in one neighborhood at a time. So during the rocky years of Covid, Habitat committed our work to building solid foundations in the Cottages at Ridgeview neighborhood.  

One important aspect of Habitat’s program is the opportunity for future homebuyers to have a choice over the location of their permanent address. While Robin was offered the chance to buy a home in the Cottages at Ridgeview, she hung on to her dream of living on F Avenue. Over the next 4 years Robin remained a committed partner to Habitat, attending classes, participating in events, and welcoming three cohorts of newly accepted Habitat families. She helped families break ground, and celebrated with them when they received their keys – all the while remaining patient and positive. 

Yet, it was hard for Robin to watch walls go up in the Cottages at Ridgeview, knowing it would still be years before Habitat began work in F Avenue. It was hard for Habitat staff as well. “I just remember sitting in so many meetings with construction and leadership during those years, digging into the idea that there’s got to be another way to get Robin into a house sooner”, recalls Andrew Isola, Homeowner Services Coordinator. 

That “other way” emerged as Habitat’s new three-tier construction model. Created to increase our capacity to serve, accelerate construction timelines, and help more families move-in sooner, this approach utilizes varying amounts of supplemental contractor labor, allowing Habitat to work in multiple developments at once. And now, after inspiring this shift, Robin is the first homeowner to live in a house built using this model.

To Robin, ‘Home’ means having a safe place for her family. As a mother of two and a grandmother of 5, safe and affordable shelter could not be more vital to Robin. After working successfully full-time at a local manufacturer for 10 years, Robin was no closer to achieving her dream of homeownership. That’s when she discovered Habitat Catawba Valley. 

“Having a Habitat home will change my life because [my family] and I can have a place to call our own. Owning my own home means I will always have a safe place for me and family.”

On Tuesday, 12/12/23, Robin’s dream of homeownership finally came to fruition. At the conclusion of her closing, Robin was greeted by members of the Habitat Catawba Valley staff. With hot cocoa and cupcakes in hand, the staff welcomed Robin to her new home in style. With Tina Morgan giving her a final blessing from the organization, Robin is now set to spend her first Christmas in a brand new, energy efficient and affordable, Habitat Home. Robin plans for her home to be a place to cherish her family. She cannot wait to celebrate the holidays with her entire family in her new home.

 

Hear what Habitat staff members have to say about Robin’s unique journey

Mitzi Gellman, Exec. Director:

“I have been impressed by her resolute commitment to waiting for a house on F Ave., despite the long, long period of time it took for her home. Her patience throughout the process was extraordinary and I am so happy to share in her joy with her new home.”

Jenna Ross, Asst. Director:

“Robin has demonstrated leadership, patience, and grace throughout her journey. She has been a great community builder in her time with Habitat, and has helped three different cohorts of accepted Habitat families find their way in this program. Cannot wait to watch her build community in her new neighborhood. Very excited for her new adventure!”

Stacy G., Homeowner Services Coordniator:

“Throughout the time I have worked with Robin, she has been so kindhearted, patient, understanding, and determined to  move forward, overcoming any and all obstacles that got in her way.  She is an all around amazing woman, neighbor, mother, and partner to Habitat.”

Tina Morgan, Homeowner Services Director:

“I like Robin’s words in her first info for us after acceptance – When asked what’s most important to her about being able to buy a Habitat house, Robin had two answers: “I’ll have a house that I can afford to pay for and not worry about how to pay other bills.” and “I’ll have a safe place for my family.””

 

For more information on the Cottages at Ridgeview and ways to get involved, contact Habitat Catawba Valley at 828-328-4663 x 106 or visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org

Support homeowners like robin

About Habitat Catawba Valley
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

People in our community partner with Habitat Catawba Valley to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve security they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org or call 828-328-4663 x 106.

Habitat Catawba Valley Welcomes a New Homeowner in Ridgeview

Habitat Catawba Valley Welcomes a New Homeowner in Ridgeview

 

Hickory, NC (October 21, 2023)-

On a Saturday afternoon, Habitat hosted a homecoming ceremony in the heart of the Cottages at Ridgeview neighborhood, for their newest homeowner, Epemenio Mendoza, or Epi to his friends. Joined by his son Manny, Epi received his keys to a brand new life in his home. With the newfound sense of safety and security that comes with homeownership, Epi is looking forward to flexing his culinary muscles, hosting friends and family, and providing a place his boys can always come back home to.

To Epi, ‘Home’ means having a safe place to have all of his kids together with him under one roof. Homeownership has always been a big presence in Epi’s life. The other big presence is family. His parents still own their own home in Los Angeles. And it was his sister-in-law who first introduced Epi to Habitat. He wanted to pass that same stability of home and family on to his sons. Out of all his accomplishments, Epi is most proud of raising his children on his own.

Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Epi moved to the Hickory area in search of more affordable living, less congestion, and great opportunities for his family. He already had a connection to Newton where family members lived, and no longer needs to live with his sister-in-law as his brand new home is fully complete.

 

“Owning my own home will show my kids that hard work pays off. It will give my kids the change to focus on education and not where they will live or who they will have to live with.”

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Epi’s home, the newest addition to Habitat Catawba Valley’s “Cottages at Ridgeview” neighborhood, boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, and 1300+ feet of single level living area. His home is unique in that it features a solar panel installation, generously donated and installed through a partnership with Advanced Energy and Southern Energy Management Inc. Having the ability to generate a portion of the power consumed in the household is an amazing benefit, and will help to keep his heating and cooling bills down during peak usage months. While Habitat Catawba Valley primary focus is to make homeownership accessible through an affordable mortgage, the organization also believes energy efficiency is an important factor in home affordability.

Last year, new Habitat homebuyers were guaranteed $32 per month average heating and cooling costs for the first two years of their residency. Why? Because affordability isn’t just about what a homeowner can buy – it’s also about what they can maintain. By pursuing efficiency, Habitat Catawba Valley builds energy savings into the life of the home, and builds environmental stewardship into the life of our community.

Other Habitat projects in the community include a new 3 tiered construction model, aimed at serving more families faster. “Last year, we received 367 homeownership inquiries. That’s more than a family a day seeking more secure shelter,” explains Habitat Catawba Valley Executive Director Mitzi Gellman. “We know the need for affordable housing outpaces any individual organization’s ability to provide it on their own. The traditional Habitat construction model of a small staff and willing but unskilled volunteers was not designed for today’s housing demand.”

That’s why Habitat Catawba Valley has joined with key partners to diversify its construction model, increase its capacity, and participate in larger, more coordinated projects. This tiered construction model includes traditional Habitat construction where Habitat is the sole builder, hybrid construction where a contractor frames the house and Habitat finishes it, and turnkey construction where a contractor builds the house from start to finish.

Today, Habitat Catawba Valley currently has homes underway in all three tiers of this construction model – including Ridgefield Place in Ridgeview. This project is a public, private, non-profit partnership between Habitat Catawba Valley, The City of Hickory, and JRN Development slated for 21 new construction affordable homes.

What will the future hold for Habitat’s newest homeowners?

For Epi and family, ‘Home’ means having a safe place to have all of his kids together with him under one roof. “Owning my own home will show my kids that hard work pays off. It will give my kids the change to focus on education and not where they will live or who they will have to live with.”

For more information on the Cottages at Ridgeview and ways to get involved, contact Habitat Catawba Valley at 828-328-4663 x 106 or visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org 

About Habitat Catawba Valley
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

People in our community partner with Habitat Catawba Valley to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve security they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org or call 828-328-4663 x 106.

Habitat for Humanity International announces Clinton Global Initiative Commitment

 

New York (Sept 18, 2023)-

Habitat for Humanity today announced a Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action to support 15 million people in slums and other informal settlements in gaining access to adequate housing by 2028 as part of a five-year campaign called Home Equals.

In a world filled with challenges, the commitment of organizations like Habitat for Humanity is a beacon of hope. As we celebrate the recent announcement of Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative, it’s essential to shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done at the local level. Habitat Catawba Valley stands as a prime example of unwavering dedication to the same cause.

While the global initiative aims to support 15 million people in need of affordable housing, Habitat Catawba Valley has been making a significant impact right in their own backyard. They share the same vision – a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

With a dedicated team of volunteers, skilled professionals, and community partners, Habitat Catawba Valley has transformed countless lives throughout Catawba County. Through our efforts, we have provided safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in need, creating not just houses, but homes filled with love, hope, and opportunity.

Read the full article on Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative

The work of our organization is a shining example of how local communities can make a global impact. By building homes, they are building futures, breaking the cycle of poverty, and creating stronger, more vibrant communities.

 

Two Habitat Homebuyers Close on First Homes

Two Habitat Homebuyers Close on First Homes; Open Door to More Secure Future

 

Hickory, NC (July 18th, 2023)-

On Tuesday afternoon, Habitat celebrated closings on its two most recently constructed homes, and two families received the keys to a more secure future. Melissa Cruse and Sharon Gadson represent the newest homeowners who have partnered with Habitat Catawba Valley to build and buy a home of their very own.

Melissa is a mother of 4, and grandmother of two who also serves as a program director for a local non-profit. Sharon is a mother of a Hickory High School student and has worked locally for a corporate uniform provider for the past 2 years. “I’m beyond excited about the new house. My red door and my two trees look amazing,” shared Cruse.

Closing on their homes and opening the door to their next chapter as homeowners is the culmination of a journey that both women began during the pandemic. In addition to building their own home, all Habitat Homebuyers attend budgeting and financial management classes, perform sweat equity hours, and pay an affordable mortgage. Unlike traditional mortgages, Habitat sets mortgage payments at 24% of a family’s income, and provides additional resources from partnering organizations to help keep the cost affordable – including Habitat Catawba Valley’s own in-house down payment assistance. Last year, the average down payment assistance provided by Habitat was $32,633.08 per family.

 

“I truly believe I would not have had the faith or trust to buy from a traditional lender in a traditional way. But I have never doubted my choice with Habitat. I don’t question the quality of the house. I’m not worried about hidden fine print,” said Cruse.

Cruse and Gadson will be the newest neighbors in Habitat’s Cottages at Ridgeview neighborhood. The Cottages at Ridgeview is a traditional Habitat-built mixed-income community with 4 completed homes, 5 homes under construction, and 6 more on the way. A combination of traditional Habitat homeownership and homes sold on the open market to increase the local workforce housing stock, this project acquired empty lots and vacant buildings and is constructing new, energy efficient craftsmen-styled cottages in their place.

Other Habitat projects in the community include a new 3 tiered construction model, aimed at serving more families faster. “Last year, we received 367 homeownership inquiries. That’s more than a family a day seeking more secure shelter,” explains Habitat Catawba Valley Executive Director Mitzi Gellman. “We know the need for affordable housing outpaces any individual organization’s ability to provide it on their own. The traditional Habitat construction model of a small staff and willing but unskilled volunteers was not designed for today’s housing demand.”

That’s why Habitat Catawba Valley has joined with key partners to diversify its construction model, increase its capacity, and participate in larger, more coordinated projects. This tiered construction model includes traditional Habitat construction where Habitat is the sole builder, hybrid construction where a contractor frames the house and Habitat finishes it, and turnkey construction where a contractor builds the house from start to finish.
Today, Habitat Catawba Valley currently has homes underway in all three tiers of this construction model – including Ridgefield Place in Ridgeview. This project is a public, private, non-profit partnership between Habitat Catawba Valley, The City of Hickory, and JRN Development slated for 21 new construction affordable homes.

What will the future hold for Habitat’s newest homeowners?

For Gadson and her son, it means more quality time. “We enjoy watching movies and cooking together. I graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. I have a strong passion for cooking and trying out different recipes.”

For the Cruse family, it means laying down roots. “Lots of kids will grow up in this home as I imagine it will be the central, permanent location for everyone in the family. This yard will hold little feet for years to come. These walls and roof will keep little heads safe and sound.”

For more information on the Cottages at Ridgeview and ways to get involved, contact Habitat Catawba Valley at 828-328-4663 x 106 or visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org

 

About Habitat Catawba Valley
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

People in our community partner with Habitat Catawba Valley to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve security they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitatcatawbavalley.org or call 828-328-4663 x 106.

Celebrating the Success of the Foothills Community Housing Fair

Celebrating the Success of the Foothills Community Housing Fair: A Testament to Unity and Progress

 

Introduction:

We at Habitat Catawba Valley extend our deepest gratitude to all the sponsors, community members, and partners who came together for the recent Foothills Community Housing Fair on June 3rd at the Ridgeview Recreation Center. As part of Catawba County’s month-long Juneteenth Celebration, this event, organized in collaboration with the Hickory NAACP and multiple community partners, exemplified the unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable housing solutions within our community. With the mission of providing affordable homes and empowering families, we witnessed firsthand the positive impact this event had on our shared vision of a brighter future for all.

 

A Unified Effort:

The Foothills Community Housing Fair was an opportunity for our community members to come together and engage in meaningful conversations about housing challenges, solutions, and resources. We are immensely grateful to the Hickory NAACP for their pivotal role in spearheading this event and working side by side with us and the other members of the Equity and Inclusion Task Force’s Housing Committee to promote our mission of access and opportunity through housing.

 

Highlighting the Impact:

The fair not only provided a platform for individuals to learn about affordable housing options but also opened doors to various resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. The event was a great opportunity for collaboration between organizations, sponsors, and community members seeking to address critical housing needs in our community.

 

Recognizing Our Sponsors and Partners:

We would like to extend our thanks to our lead sponsor Peoples Bank, as well as all of the additional sponsors and exhibitors who helped to make this possible. Your commitment to ensuring all families have the keys to build solid homes and secure futures in the Catawba Valley is truly commendable.

 

A Special Thanks to the Hickory NAACP:

Our gratitude extends to the Hickory NAACP for their visionary leadership and partnership. Their deep understanding of the challenges faced by the community and their commitment to social justice have been an instrumental motivator behind this event. By collaborating with Habitat Catawba Valley and all our sister members of the Housing Committee, the Hickory NAACP showed how organizations can unite to directly create change in our community.

 

Looking Ahead:

The Foothills Community Housing Fair serves as a testament to the power of collective action, and the potential impact it can have on our community. As we reflect on this event, we are reminded of the work that still lies ahead. Habitat Catawba Valley remains committed to our mission of building affordable homes, advocating for equitable housing policies, and empowering families in need. Together with our partners and supporters, we will continue to work tirelessly towards a future where safe and decent housing is a reality for all.

 

Conclusion:

Again, we want to express our deepest appreciation to all the sponsors, partners, and community members who came together to make this event a success. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to our mission, we were able to take a step forward in strengthening the community’s knowledge about housing, homeownership, and the resources available. Let us carry the spirit of unity and progress forward as we strive to create a better future for all residents of Catawba Valley.

 

See our image gallery below from the event:

 

Mitsubishi Electric Publishes New Case Study Focusing on Habitat’s Northstone Subdivision

Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley (Habitat Catawba), Hickory, North Carolina, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building affordable housing for low-income families within their local community. In recent years, the organization developed the idea to build an 18-unit community in Northeast Hickory to provide energy-efficient homes for Habitat families and market-rate residential buyers

Click here to view and download the full case study.

Old Becomes New: Renovations Taking Place on the Old Ridgeview Library

Gellman stated that Habitat wanted to be involved with the old Ridgeview library to be able to bring the community closer to having this historical landmark rehabilitated.

An architecture firm was used, and Habitat brought in skilled volunteer labor to finish the inside, after the outside was completed. Jessie Barber, an AmeriCorps Volunteer, and Derek Ross, the Habitat Construction Supervisor, have been involved in this project, as well as four to five volunteers at any given time, working on the library rehabilitation. By Habitat being involved in this project, this saved Interfaith Housing $15,000 to $20,000. The outside rehabilitation of the library was handled by Moss Marlow Construction.

“The volunteers have really enjoyed it. It’s been a challenge for them,” Gellman said. “There’s trust in the work of Habitat’s volunteers to do this. I am proud for Habitat to be involved and the volunteers are honored to do this project.”

Gellman added, “We have roughly two and a half months of total time invested in restoring the library.” Habitat hopes to be done with the inside of the building by this summer.

Explaining the project details, Gellman said that the inside of the building has definitely changed. “We did a complete gut of the inside,” she said. “We added a handicap accessible bathroom to replace the old bathroom, a small office with a kitchen area, and covered up areas where there used to be stairs.” Gellman expressed that the priority to try to keep the pine paneling, so it was removed, stacked, stored, and reused. They are rebuilding the bookshelves and reusing the paneling. Habitat did whatever they could do to help preserve the history of the building. This new building will also be able to display artifacts and trophies from Ridgeview High School.

“This is one of those projects where you’re honored to be a part of it. There is a connection for people that grew up and lived in Ridgeview. This library is important to people. People grew up there, that’s the place they went. We wanted to make sure we preserved things the way people remembered them,” Gellman explained. “Additionally, we are so grateful for the City’s support. It was a great way for us to pay back for the City’s help.”

Gellman’s approach; pay it forward. She closed the interview saying, “Seldom do you have a chance to work on something where you get to pay it back and pay it forward on the same project.”

Last year, the City received a state Historic Preservation Grant with money from federal Historic Preservation funds to assist with the exterior rehabilitation. The total grant was $9,000. Additional matching funds of $12,150 were provided by Interfaith Housing and City of Hickory Community Development Block Grant funds. A $20,000 loan with an additional $30,000 grant of Community Development Block Grant Funds was provided to Interfaith Housing for the library rehabilitation. The CDBG funds will be used to purchase building materials, and complete the plumbing, mechanical and electrical work necessary to complete this project. Additionally, the City built a parking lot next door to the library.

Habitat Catawba Valley Celebrates 30th Year of Service

Self-help and community engagement are key components of the work done by Habitat. Through engaging families as “partners”, Habitat seeks to build not only homes with families, but hope for a better life. Thousands of volunteer hours are utilized each year to deliver the services provided. Churches, businesses, civic organizations, and individuals seeking to help their neighbors, assist in delivery of Habitat’s mission. From hammering on a construction site to working at the ReStore or serving on the board of directors or a committee, much of Habitat’s success can be attributed to the work of its volunteers.

“We are extraordinarily proud of what has been accomplished,” said Mitzi Gellman, Habitat Executive Director. “But we are also aware that there are still many people in our community that need a helping hand.”

In the next year, Habitat will spotlight its mission, the people served, the many ways to get involved with Habitat, and expand its program to serve more families. One of the first goals for the affiliate includes construction of homes in the Northstone subdivision in Hickory.

Habitat purchased the subdivision more than 3 years ago and has recently finalized plans for the new community. “Northstone will include 18 homes and open green space areas for play,” said Gellman.

Construction on the first home begins in June with a 3-bedroom home that will be constructed by Church of the Ascension and Holy Trinity and in memory of one of Habitat Catawba Valley’s founders, Ed Rogers. In July a second home will begin with funds and volunteers from Thrivent Financial and 13 area churches.

Northstone will also be the first Habitat neighborhood that will include homes sold on the open market to traditional homebuyers. These “market rate” homes will be 3 bedroom, 2 bath with approximately 1,500 sq./ft. Homes will be available for sale before the end of the year.

“Income restrictions for Habitat homeowners are very strict. Often only 1 or 2% of income separates a family from becoming a homeowner,” explained Gellman. “For the family earning over the Habitat income guidelines, there are very few homes for sale in their price range, and none that are built as energy efficient as Habitat homes. These homes in Northstone will provide safe, simple and decent housing for more people,” added Gellman.

Additionally Habitat expanding its services to include a repair ministry designed to keep homeowners in their own homes. Initially repairs may be limited to exterior renovations: leaky roofs, broken stairs, handicap ramp construction and broken windows. The need for repairs is great.

“The need for a repair ministry is unbelievable,” said Gellman. “There are hundreds of homes in Hickory and many more in Catawba County. What starts as a little deterioration and a $200 repair can quickly turn into a $2,000 demolition, with a family searching for affordable housing.”

The repair ministry will be in addition to Habitat’s new home construction program. “It will be like starting a new business within Habitat,” said Gellman. To be fully operational the nonprofit organization will need start-up funds for the purchase of construction equipment, a truck and trailer and possible staffing and volunteers skilled in repairs. Estimated start-up costs for the repairs program are $200,000.

“We are seeking gifts from individuals, business, charitable foundations and churches for this new ministry,” said Gellman. While new to this Habitat affiliate, other Habitat organizations have successfully launched a community-wide repairs program. “We wanted to create a repairs program years ago, but the downturn in the economy prevented us from fully funding this additional department,” said Gellman. “The financial climate is improving and this is a good time for the affiliate to expand.”

Partnering with Habitat is Thrivent Financial through its Thrivent repairs program. The program is part of an ongoing partnership between Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity International, called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. From the national partnership’s inception in 2005, Thrivent Financial and its members have now committed more than $213 million and more than 4.4 million volunteer hours. Under this program Thrivent Financial will provide $2,500 for each repair project with 10 repairs projected for this year.

Thrivent Financial contribution is part of their on-going support of affordable housing. Paul Henry, a financial representative with Thrivent Financial, said, “This program provides us with more options to serve our community. Upgrading existing homes not only makes the homes safer and more efficient, it also cultivates community pride.”

As the leadership of Habitat looks toward the future there is also the possible expansion into affordable rental units for families not yet ready for homeownership.

“As we began to explore gaps in services to the community through our strategic planning process, it became clear that a need was safe, decent and affordable rental units. While we still believe home ownership is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, some families need time to rehabilitate their credit scores and reestablish their employment.” said Gellman.

While still in the early stages, Habitat’s plan would be to acquire and renovate single family homes and multi-unit apartment buildings and offer them for rent to families who are working toward homeownership. “While this is new territory for us, we know this is a service that people need. Every business evolves over time and Habitat is no different, “added Gellman.

The 30th anniversary celebration will also include new opportunities for the faith community to get reengaged with the Habitat mission. Instead of holding its traditional Faith Build Week, Habitat invites churches to intentionally join them in a year of prayer, discipleship, and action in support of affordable housing. The year will include special Faith Build construction events, advocacy opportunities, gatherings, and reflections throughout the year, and will culminate in September, the month which includes both the Habitat’s 30th birthday and the International Day of Prayer and Action.

“This will be a busy year for us,” said Gellman who has recently celebrated her 20th year as Executive Director of Habitat. “Our mission and services are profoundly important not only to our families, but to our community. It is time to once again create excitement about who we are and what we do.”