The Cottages at Ridgeview

Villanova Students Build Homes and Community with Habitat for Humanity

Villanova Students Build Homes and Community with Habitat for Humanity

 

Hickory, NC (March 6, 2026)-

Recently, a group of 8 Villanova University students joined Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley to spend their spring break in service to the Catawba Valley community. The students were part of Villanova’s Service and Justice Experience program, which sent roughly 60 students this semester to immerse themselves with domestic and international community partners. The goal of the program is to inspire participants to work for change, think critically about social issues, and to serve the common good.

“It’s a different experience than a normal spring break. You get to immerse yourself in a new community, stay grounded in service, and learn about others,” said participant Leann Lambert, class of 2029.

The partnership with Habitat Catawba Valley began in 2008, with the local non-profit welcoming fall and spring groups over its nearly 2-decade history. Habitat Catawba Valley transforms families and communities through affordable homeownership, critical repairs, financial education, and neighborhood revitalization.

“Our purpose at Habitat is to not just build houses, but change futures,” said Chief Program Officer Jenna Ross. “This partnership is an incredible opportunity to spark a lifetime commitment to the common good. My path to Habitat actually began as an undergrad participant on a Villanova service trip back in 2005. These experiences allow students to explore the intersection of where their gifts and passions meet the world’s needs and inspire them to live a life of service no matter what field they enter.”

During the group’s service week from March 2nd through March 6th, they helped frame a new construction house in Habitat’s Cottages at Ridgeview neighborhood, brought new life with a fresh coat of paint to a repair in Claremont, and greeted customers with a smile at Habitat’s ReStore.

“My favorite part was meeting homeowners and their families and seeing how impactful the work is. Habitat has a ripple effect on families and the whole community,” shared grad student Harrison Bell, class of 2026.

While serving the local community, the Villanova students built more than houses – most meaningfully, they built new relationships. The group attended Sunday services with Northminster Presbyterian Church who hosted them during their stay, partnered with the Hickory Foundation YMCA for shower facilities, joined Corinth Reformed Church for a fellowship meal, and even dusted off their dancing shoes at Sims Country Bar-B-Que.

“Sharing space with students who gave of their time and energy further deepened our desire to practice radical hospitality as we believe we are called to do,” reflected Northminster Pastor Jill Isola.  “While Northminster doesn’t always have larger dollar figures to invest, we learned that sharing space and hospitality is another truly meaningful form of community investment.”

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.

If you or your organization would like to support our mission to provide hardworking individuals homeownership opportunities, please contact Katherine Bewley at  828-328-4663 ext 108 or [email protected].

 

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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.

If you or your organization would like to support our mission to provide hardworking individuals homeownership opportunities, please contact Katherine Bewley at  828-328-4663 ext 108 or [email protected].

 

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.

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.

New Homeowner Welcomed in Ridgeview

New Homeowner Welcomed in Ridgeview

 

Hickory, NC (Nov 29, 2022)-

On Tuesday morning, Habitat Catawba Valley welcomed their newest member to the Cottages at Ridgeview community. Niya Mayfield, born and raised in Hickory, NC, began her Habitat journey during the pandemic. Today, she receives her keys, and moves into her new home – right next door to the lot where she grew up. Niya is thrilled to take the final step in her journey back home, and the first step into creating new memories and future possibilities.  

 

“Owning a home will mean a lot to my family considering that I’m getting older.  It’s important for me to start thinking about what I’m going to leave for my family.” said Niya at the beginning of her Habitat Journey

Niya’s home in Ridgeview is actually right next to where she grew up. A far cry from what once stood on this corner, Niya’s new home is energy efficient and affordable, thanks to Habitat’s innovative approach to homebuilding. All of our homes at the Cottages in Ridgeview are Energy Star certified, allowing the homeowners to have predictable, manageable utility payments.

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

Niya and her sons plan to enjoy spending time together, and with their extended family (some of which are already existing Habitat homeowners!). They look forward to the opportunity to go out to eat, and see movies together in their new home. Niya loves to cook for her extended family, and is excited to use her new open floorplan and kitchen to entertain.

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.