Local Affiliate Wins Two Planning Awards from the City

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville received two Annual Planning Awards from the City Planning Commission in a ceremony on March 9, 2010.

• Habitat's Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Sunrise Trailer Park (image at right) received the Outstanding Plan of Development Award.  In a tie vote, this award was shared with the Fry's Spring Service Station rehabilitation. 
• The ecoMOD House at 608 Ridge Street received the Outstanding Sustainable Development Award.  ecoMod Project Director, John Quale of the UVa School of Architecture, also received recognition as Design Professional of the Year.

Read the city's press release here.

Habitat Store to Donate 5% of Gross Receipts to Victims of Haiti Earthquake

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville is joining a nationwide Habitat effort to assist earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Throughout the months of March, April, and May, 5% of gross sales at the Habitat Store will be donated to the Haiti response. Come see what the Habitat Store has that will help you—and help families in Haiti in the process.

Copy and post this flyer!

Habitat to Host a Conversation on Eliminating Poverty in Our Community

On April 22, 2010, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville will host a luncheon program, "Bridges out of Poverty" at the Doubletree Hotel from 12 Noon to 1:30 pm.  Speaking at the luncheon will be Dr. Ruby Payne (photo at left), a national expert on the issue of generational poverty and our local Habitat affiliate's Executive Director, Dan Rosensweig.  For more information about this event, click here.

Generous Donor Gives Home to Habitat

PRICE REDUCED to $209,000!!

Through the generous bequest of a Habitat supporter, proceeds from the sale of a Charlottesville home (pictured below) will go directly to sponsor new homes for Habitat Partner Families.  Read more.

Creating a New Paradigm for Affordable Housing in Greater Charlottesville

In 2001, Habitat was able to purchase a buildable lot in the City for about $15,000 and in the County for $13,000.  In 2009, the comparable prices are $80,000 and $60,000 respectively. As a housing non-profit with nearly two decades of experience helping low-income families in the area become homeowners, Habitat realized that it is time to use a new approach to affordable housing in our community.

Our approach -- the New Paradigm -- recognizes that (1) very few affordable single-family lots will be available, and as a result, higher-density building is the best economic model for affordable housing; (2) truly affordable housing must be near jobs and public transportation; and, (3) placing affordable housing in mixed-income neighborhoods make for sustainable communities.  Read more about the New Paradigm.

This fiscal year the Habitat Store recycled and sold donated building materials producing a profit equivalent to two Habitat House Sponsorships!