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Four new homes in Columbus built as part of new homeowner program

 

COLUMBUS–On Thursday, Housing Assistance Corporation held a ribbon-cutting event on four new homes recently built in Columbus.

Housing Assistance Corporation is a non-profit organization that provides safe and affordable housing for those with limited income living in Henderson County and its surrounding areas. The operation has provided 200 homes for those in need. The firm is working with the Chamber of Commerce and State Director of Rural Development Reginald Speight for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The homes, located at 6788 S. NC Hwy 9 in Columbus, were built as part of the group’s “Self-Help Program”; a project designed by the USDA.  

“Homeowners spend upwards of ten hours each week working on each of their neighbor’s homes,’ said Housing Assistance Corporation Executive Director Kristin Dunn. “And after months of hard work, the homes will be ready for them to move into.” 

As of this writing, the homes are not fully completed, but the ribbon cutting still took place in order to celebrate National Homeownership Month. 

“They worked really well with us. [They] got us into the program, and we built through them,” said employee and homeowner Ekan Massingale, describing his time working with Housing Assistance Corporation. “It was a great experience. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Dunn also wants to use the event to bring attention to the company’s next project, the Little White Oak neighborhood. 

“Little White Oak infrastructure will begin this summer with home construction targeted to begin in late fall,” said Dunn. “We currently plan to construct 20 single-family homes off Hwy. 108 near the Polk County Middle School. Houses will be similar to the ones showcased on Hwy. 9.”

Individuals interested in becoming first-time homebuyers can contact Housing Assistance Corporation’s office and speak with the Housing Counseling team to put them on the path towards home ownership. Housing Assistance Corporation can be reached at (828) 692-4744, or www.housing-assistance.com.