August 2009 
IN THIS ISSUE
RECENT GRANTS
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
AUGUST OPEN HOUSES
2009 FALL TOURS
QUICK LINKS
 
 
FOLLOW BHC ONLINE:
 
Visit BHC on Facebook     Watch BHC videos on YouTube
 
Join Our Mailing List
Donate to BHC
OAK SUMMIT AT GOOSE CREEK OPENS IN SOUTH RICHMOND
 
Richmond city employee and first-time homebuyer Michael Venable happily joined Mayor Dwight Jones, BHC President and CEO T.K. Somanath, and other distinguished guests on the front porch of his new home for Oak Summit's ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 30.  His home is one of 45 new homes being constructed in the Blackwell community as part of a revitalization initiative to stimulate residential and commercial growth.  In addition to incorporating cutting-edge green features - Venable's home includes a solar hot water heating system and the highest quality insulation package - Oak Summit at Goose Creek is located within a 5-minute drive of downtown.  "I can walk to my job or grab my bicycle," said Venable.
 
Oak Summit ribbon cutting
 
Event coverage by CBS 6 and NBC 12 can be watched on BHC's YouTube channel.  Pictures are also available here.  BHC thanks all who joined us for this exciting occasion, as well as the Oak Summit community funders that have made this revitalization initiative possible: Alcoa, CAHEC, Capital One, City of Richmond, Genworth, HUD, LISC, Keller Williams, RRHA, SunTrust, and VHDA.
 
Winchester Greens
 
Visit www.betterhousingcoalition.org for updates on the development of Oak Summit at Goose Creek.
 
GRANTS FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS HELP BHC CHANGE LIVES
The Wachovia Foundation, Genworth Foundation, and The Community Foundation recently awarded grants to BHC, enabling us to continue creating healthy, sustainable communities and continue providing health and wellness programs for our senior residents. 
 
These grants truly help us improve lives.  Seniors who participate in BHC's health and wellness programs have seen decreases in blood pressure readings, and during these difficult economic times The Community Foundation's 2009 Safety Net Fund has supported rent subsidies for two families living in BHC rental homes.  Our partnerships help make quality affordable housing a reality, and we are appreciative of the support we receive from these foundations.
 
National Night OutNATIONAL NIGHT OUT AT 
LINCOLN MEWS
On August 4, BHC's Community Social Work
Department organized a block party at Lincoln Mews for the 26th Annual National Night Out.   National Night Out is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and relationships with local police while raising awareness of crime and drug prevention.
 
After receiving a construction update, residents enjoyed music, dessert, games and prizes.  As part of the revitalization of Lincoln Mews - formerly Lincoln Manor Apartments - social services will be available to residents on site in the newly-constructed Community Building, funded by the Robins Foundation.
 
2008 Fairmount AvenueEXPLORE HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH BHC
BHC is a leader in green building, constructing homes that are energy efficient, low maintenance, and affordable.  Every BHC home, whether new construction or a rehabilitation, is designed with classic architectural elements which blend with the surrounding neighborhood.  They are available to first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes.  Excellent financing packages are available to keep monthly mortgage rates affordable; grant and down payment programs are also available for qualified buyers. 
 
Open houses are currently scheduled for Springhill and 2008 Fairmount Avenue, both located minutes from downtown Richmond in Church Hill. If you are interested in home ownership opportunies with BHC, please visit us on one of the following dates:
 
Springhill - 1200 block of N. 30th Street
Saturday, August 22, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 29, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
 
2008 Fairmount Avenue
Sunday, August 23, 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 30, 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.
 
For more information, please contact Schirra Hayes at (804) 644-0546 x14 or s.hayes@betterhousingcoalition.org.  A complete listing of BHC homes is available at www.BHChomes.org.
 
REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL TOURS
BHC's holisitic approach to community revitalization is a nationally-recognized model for building stronger communities.  We invite you to see how we have been changing lives and transforming communities throughout Greater Richmond over the past 20 years. 
 
Dates: 
Wednesday, October 7            Tuesday, October 13            Tuesday, October 20
 
Time: 
noon - 2:00 p.m.
 
Parking and lunch will be provided.  To sign up or receive more information, please contact Drew Melson at (804) 644-0546 x23 or d.melson@betterhousingcoalition.org.
 
 
www.betterhousingcoalition.org
 
804-644-0546
 
Better Housing Coalition changes lives and transforms communities
through high quality, affordable housing.
Where you live can change your life.  You can help.
 
Donate to BHC
 
BHC Charity Campaign Codes:
 
United Way, 3158  
Combined Virginia Campaign (CVC), 3624