On June 23, the CSPDC joined Harrisonburg-based non-profit Our Community Place (OCP) to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of Block House Apartments. The project is one of seven projects across the region to complete construction using funds from the PDC Housing Development Program, a grant program that provides gap funds to private and nonprofit housing developers.
OCP received $118,106 in grant funds through the PDC’s housing program, and used those funds along with local low-interest loans, donations, and in-kind and volunteer support to complete the project. The development provides two units of permanent supportive housing for Harrisonburg residents that have faced chronic housing insecurity. Each efficiency unit is complete with a mini-split air conditioner and new appliances, and community members came together to furnish and decorate each unit. The development also includes a shared shaded patio and garden beds.
At the ribbon cutting, CSPDC Housing Program Manager shared information about the PDC Housing Development Program and the successful partnership with OCP to bring the project to fruition. Harrisonburg City Councilmember and CSPDC Commissioner Laura Dent was also in attendance at the ribbon cutting, and spoke to the timeliness of this development to meet Harrisonburg’s housing needs. The event was also attended by the two residents that will be moving into the new units in July, who participated in the official ribbon cutting and allowed attendees to tour their new home.