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Claiborne Square Welcomes Petersburg Senior Residents

Claiborne Square is centrally located in Petersburg, VA

BHC is pleased to announce that our first revitalization initiative in Petersburg, Claiborne Square, is completed.  In partnership with Restoration of Petersburg CDC and Tabernacle Baptist Church, BHC developed this 47-unit affordable community for active adults 55 and older.  Claiborne Square includes high quality apartments, spacious community rooms, a private terrace, and energy-efficient features that keep utility costs low for residents. 

Claiborne Square is EarthCraft certified.  Solar panels installed on the roof of the main building heat the hot water for community laundry facilities and common bathroom areas.  For the first time, BHC is using LED exterior lights and stormwater recycling for irrigation. 

Residents began moving in on Monday, August 8.  BHC's Community Social Work department and its property management company will remain in the community to provide a stable living environment for the senior residents and help them age comfortably in place.

SAVE THE DATE!  A ribbon cutting celebration for Claiborne Square will be held Saturday, October 1, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.  The community is located at 518 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, 23803.  Stay tuned for more information! 

Click here for more photos. 

Center for Neighborhood Revitalization Seeking Golden Hammer Award Nominations 

At the beginning of 2011, we welcomed the addition of the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods to our team as BHC's newly created Center for Neighborhood Revitalization.  Under the BHC umbrella, the Center has continued the Alliance's programs focused on historic property preservation - including the annual Golden Hammer Awards.

The Golden Hammer Awards celebrate excellence in historic rehabilitation and neighborhood revitalization.  Categories include:

• Best Residential Renovation
• Best Commercial Renovation
• Best Infill Project
• Best in Neighborhood Design
• Green Hammer for Sustainable Design Excellence

Entries are due Friday, October 7.  Don't miss this opportunity for your revitalization project to be recognized!  All nominees will be honored at the Golden Hammer Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 3, 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Hippodrome in Jackson Ward.  For any questions, please contact David Herring at 804-644-0546 x37.  

Click here to download the nomination form and learn more. 

Virginia Housing Coalition Initiates Campaign for Virginia Housing Trust Fund

The Virginia Housing Coalition has initiated a campaign for a Virginia Housing Trust Fund to be created by the General Assembly.  Between 2012 and 2022, one-time construction activities from the Housing Trust Fund can inject $1.0 billion into the state economy and support 1,778 jobs.

Richmond consulting firm Chmura Economics and Analytics will detail the impact of a Housing Trust Fund on the Virginia economy on Thursday, September 8, 8:00 am - 10:00 am at the SunTrust building (919 E. Main Street, 24th floor) in downtown Richmond.  Members of the General Assembly and the administration have been invited to speak and comment on the prospects of a trust fund. 

Registration is available here.

Many Virginians would benefit from a Housing Trust Fund, including the middle class, first-time homebuyers, struggling single parents, seniors, people with disabilities and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Click here for more information on the Virginia Housing Trust Fund.

Residents Celebrate National Night Out

BHC residents from ages 2 to 91 came together and celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2.  At Winchester Greens, BHC's Community Social Work and Property Management departments distributed several door prizes, including a large crock pot and microwave oven, as well as back-to-school packages generously provided by Capital One.  Residents threw frisbees and footballs to one another, danced, and played horseshoes.  McGruff the Crime Dog also made a much-welcomed appearance.

Resident with McGruff the Crime Dog

Pie eating contest at Lincoln Mews

Lincoln Mews residents enjoyed friendly competition in pie eating, hula hoop, and bubble blowing contests, and children had a blast playing in the moon bounce.  As in previous years, National Night Out proved to be a great event for strengthening community spirit.  BHC thanks the local police officers who visited our communities during the event and promoted crime awareness.

Register Now for a BHC Community Bus Tour 

We invite you to see first-hand how BHC is changing lives throughout Greater Richmond by joining us for a bus tour this fall.   Tours will take place on:

• Thursday, September 29, 2011, 12 - 2 pm
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 12 - 2 pm
• Wednesday, November 30, 3011, 12 - 2 pm

In addition to exhibiting BHC communities, the tours also provide an opportunity for discussion about some of the issues facing affordable housing in the region.  Parking and lunch will be provided.  To register or learn more, please contact Drew Melson at 804-644-0546 x23 or email.

BHC 2010 Annual Report Online  

Thanks to our supporters like you, 2010 was another milestone year for BHC.  The year's highlights, financials, and donor lists are all available in our 2010 Annual Report, which is now on the publications page of our website.  We encourage you to take a look!

Click here to view BHC's 2010 Annual Report