Habitat for Humanity and the New Harmony Ridge Neighborhood

Harmony Ridge neighborhood is the result of a lot of partnerships in the community — Habitat for Humanity, Piedmont Housing Alliance, Abundant Life Ministries, the CFA Institute, and the city of Charlottesville.  The neighborhood’s first two homes have been developed by Habitat for Humanity.  Piedmont Housing Alliance, as a qualified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), obtained a commitment from Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, as administrator for the Thomas Jefferson Regional HOME Consortium for a grant of federal HOME funds for development of affordable housing in the City of Charlottesville. Piedmont Housing is also providing down payment assistance to two first-time home buyers in the development, as well as project management throughout the construction process. Habitat, as the developer of the two homes in Harmony Ridge, has worked to obtain the necessary approvals, developed the plans for the homes, and will manage the construction.

“We broke ground on Harmony Ridge just a few days after August 12. It was a chance for the community to come together and heal by focusing on something hopeful — a mixed-income neighborhood that will provide much-needed affordable housing while breaking down barriers,” said Annie Stup, a spokesperson for Habitat. August 12 was the date of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, a gathering of white supremacists that resulted in violence, injury, and the death of Heather Heyer, a peaceful anti-racism activist.

“Habitat looks forward to working with Piedmont Housing as a strategic partner in addressing the affordable housing shortage in our area. Harmony Ridge is just one example of how housing providers can come together to find innovative solutions that improve the community for all our neighbors,” said Stup.

Harmony Ridge is the first such project in the Habitat-Piedmont Housing partnership.