On Monday October 19th the Hyde County Board of Commissioners voted to support OFI's affordable housing initiative.  The initiative is part of a Reinvestment Project that will seek to provide affordable housing for teachers and public service employees and also provide dedicated funding for local community groups from which to operate.  The majority of public service workers depend on local groups for services such as child care, and youth programs.  Funding to support the research and planning efforts for this initiative was provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
 
     On October 10th, OFI responded to a frequently expressed concern for "affordable housing" on Ocracoke by successfully bidding to purchase 3 two-bedroom and 1 one-bedroom condominium at the site of the former Boyette property.
 
     The need for housing for teachers, health center employees, EMTs, day care, and other groups serving the general public has been seen as a critical issue for several years.  Due to the high costs involved in purchasing land and constructing housing, solutions to this need seemed insurmountable.  The opportunity to acquire 4 condos at a cost well below what would be required to build, encouraged OFI to take advantage of this opportunity to meet the needs of the community while a larger scale affordable housing solution is being researched.  

     OFI has begun to seek funding for this initiative and is seeking advice and support from organizations and industry professionals.  An affordable housing committee is being established to outline needs, study options and move forward. As the initiative progresses, OFI will post letters and comments received concerning this effort. 

Photo - Principal George Ortman with lower school students.