County reviews $300K Housing Trust Fund awards for Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together

In a recent meeting of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, significant strides were made towards enhancing affordable housing in the community. The board voted to approve funding recommendations from the Housing Trust Fund, which aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing options in the area.

Brian Thompson presented the recommendations, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, established in 2018. Since its inception, the fund has received requests totaling $2.8 million and has successfully allocated $1.35 million to support the creation and preservation of 375 affordable housing units.

The board's approval included two key projects. The first is a $75,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity for a townhome project in Siler City, which will create four affordable housing units. This innovative approach marks a shift for Habitat, which typically focuses on single-family homes, allowing them to maximize resources and provide more housing options.

The second project involves a request from Rebuilding Together of the Triangle, seeking $225,000 to support housing preservation efforts. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 58 homes in Chatham County, further contributing to the community's housing stability.

Overall, the total investment from the county for this funding cycle amounts to $300,000, with a combined project cost of $1.6 million aimed at improving housing conditions for residents. While two other organizations applied for funding, their proposals were not recommended due to early-stage development needs.

These funding decisions reflect the county's commitment to addressing housing challenges and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. As the search for a new director for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee begins, the board remains focused on expanding affordable housing initiatives to meet the growing demand in Chatham County.