Just a short time ago, this home sat vacant after years of deterioration. Through Chesterfield County's blight abatement program, the property was acquired and later conveyed by the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors to Richmond Habitat. From there, volunteers, staff, and community partners worked together to completely renovate the home, giving it new life and preparing it for a new family.
“This creates a safe haven for myself and my children,” said India, the new Habitat homeowner. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be selected to make our lives better."
For India and her family, the home offers stability, the opportunity to build equity, greater financial security, and a place where lasting memories can be made. For the surrounding neighborhood, it reflects renewed investment and the positive impact that comes from breathing new life into a formerly blighted property. The project demonstrates how strong partnerships can address two critical community needs at once: revitalizing neighborhoods while expanding access to affordable homeownership.
“This home represents what's possible when local government and nonprofit organizations work together toward a shared vision,” said Dave Neary, CEO of Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. “A property that once posed challenges for the neighborhood has been transformed into a safe, affordable home where a family can build stability and create lasting memories.”
Today's home dedication brought together members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, Richmond Habitat staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and India's family to celebrate not only the completion of a renovation, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
A huge thank you to the major sponsors on this home, Chesterfield County, Professional Restoration Services, and Virginia Housing. Virginia Housing’s Regional Housing Development Grant, part of which was used to fund the rehabilitation of this home, is administered by Partnership for Housing Affordability and PlanRVA. We are also grateful for the in-kind donations of appliances from Whirpool and Hamilton Beach.
The property is one of two homes completed through the partnership between Chesterfield County and Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity.
