Creating Affordable Housing in Charlottesville

Creating affordable housing is a journey that requires foresight, persistence, and a whole lot of hard work. From the early days of securing funding to the nitty-gritty of due diligence and changes in construction material prices, every step is a piece of the puzzle. But it’s not just about checking boxes – it’s about navigating through changes, overcoming hurdles, and staying true to the vision. When the doors finally open and families and individuals move in, it’s not just a building; it’s a story of resilience, community, and making dreams a reality. These projects and collaborations have a catalytic effect that extends beyond the structures created, like Southwood Redevelopment in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Expanding Opportunities in Emporia

The team at Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation (SCDHC) recently completed a new expansion beyond Richmond and Petersburg into Emporia, Virginia. The city sits an hour south of the capital just off Interstate 95 and eight miles away from North Carolina. Under the leadership of CEO Dianna Bowser, the non-profit bought a tract of land near downtown, removed nine condemned mobile homes, organized infrastructure improvements, and then built four top-quality homes that have now hit the market.

Evolving to Meet Community Needs at the Nelson Heritage Center

Community leaders are repurposing historical buildings and breathing new life into decommissioned schoolhouses to meet modern needs. In Nelson County, Virginia, a non-profit organization called the Millenium Group petitioned the local Board of Supervisors to grant formerly segregated junior high school Nelson Memorial to become the Nelson Heritage Center.

Building the Future with Flywheel Development

On July 3, 2023, the Earth experienced its hottest day on record. Some cities faced temperatures as high as 121 degrees Fahrenheit. Overwhelming scientific evidence indicates that we must transform our policies and behaviors to promote clean energy and combat pollution. Scientists and activists are leading the way alongside community leaders and practitioners in the field. Progress toward a sustainable future will involve armies of partners across the globe.

Wakefield Market: Increasing Access to Healthy Foods

Making way through the clatter of shopping carts and the rush of the automatic doors at Wakefield Market, a line of people at the deli counter are waiting patiently for lunch. The layered sounds of the cash registers float over top of the pyramids of freshly-picked cabbages. Everything is green for St. Patrick’s Day and soon the changing seasons will bring many more types of locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Community-minded Gallery Turns Challenges into Opportunities

Set within the colorful exuberance of the Arts and Culture District in Richmond, Virginia, 1708 Gallery sits in between busy restaurants, hotels, and museums. While the sounds of the newest exhibit resonate throughout the long and lofty space, plans within the office are unfolding for a bold new project.

Revitalizing the Historic Masonic Theater

The Historic Masonic Theatre has always had a way of capturing one’s imagination. Since opening in 1906, it has been a center for the arts, entertainment, education, and community in Clifton Forge, Virginia. After several changes in ownership, the Theatre eventually fell into disrepair. But in 2009, a group of engaged community members came together to save it. Inspired by their passion and clear vision for both the building and the town, The Alleghany Foundation and Locus, formerly Virginia Community Capital (VCC), became partners in revitalizing this vital cultural asset.

Floyd: A Story of Revitalization

Floyd, Virginia, is home to families across generations as well as newcomers who have embraced the town as their own. Like so many other small towns across America, Floyd suffered from the rise and fall of manufacturing – namely, the textile industry. But they were not deterred.

Community Revitalization in Richmond’s East End

The East End of Richmond, Virginia, is undergoing significant transformation thanks in part to funding from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, which has been allocated to help redevelop housing at Creighton Court. Originally built in 1952, Creighton Court is home to approximately 1,300 residents, half of whom are children, and has long faced challenges associated with high levels of poverty.

Nomad Deli

With the help of Virginia Community Capital (now Locus Impact), family-owned Nomad Deli is thriving and serving Richmond’s revitalizing communities of Highland Park and Northside.