Project Row Houses recently announced the receipt of a $20,000 housing grant from Bank of America. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is awarding $22 million in grants to nonprofits that build and rehab affordable housing, offer foreclosure prevention services, homeowner counseling and provide other services intended to revitalize neighborhoods and help working families find and keep suitable homes.
Guided by both the practicality of the needs of low-income residents and the desire to complement the architectural structures currently existing in the community, RHCDC ventures to build low-income housing of sound and complimentary architecture that is not only well designed, but also make sense to preserve the community’s historic character. There are currently thirty-five families living in RHCDC housing, and land has been cleared for construction of twenty-two new two- and three-bedroom units at Napoleon and Tuam. The project is in partnership with Midtown Redevelopment Authority and is scheduled for completion in March 2013.
“Bank of America recognizes that housing plays a critical role in stabilizing communities and advancing economic development, and we continue to look for ways to support innovative programs that will help individuals and families access and retain affordable housing,” said Kerry Sullivan, president, Bank of America Charitable Foundation. “Our partnerships with local and national organizations that address housing needs are just one of the ways we’re working to help improve local economies across the country.”
RHCDC was founded in 2003, as a sister organization to PRH in Houston’s Northern Third Ward community. The two organizations share the vision of a revitalized, dynamic Third Ward, with art as the catapult to change the lives of its residents. RHCDC’s mission is to develop housing for low-to-moderate income residents, public spaces, and facilities to preserve and protect the historic character of the Third Ward. Devlopers envision making mixed-income housing, green space, public facilities, artist living/studio spaces and historic preservation to be alive and active in the community. For more information, visit www.projectrowhouses.org or call 713-526-7662. –cheryl parker
