New apartments that local officials hope will provide affordable permanent housing opened in the Triad this week. —
Greensboro’s Oakwood Park community includes 16 units for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.
Rent is based on income, with some tenants paying up to 30% of their salary while others may pay nothing at all. Anna Blanchard is with Affordable Housing Management, Inc., the nonprofit behind the project. She says permanent housing is critical to thriving.
“Especially for those families that are moving in, the kids don't have to switch schools when they're moving somewhere else," Blanchard says. "They really get to be grounded and centered in community. ”
The state and city helped fund the apartments using money from the American Rescue Plan.
Greensboro Urban Ministries will refer tenants and provide supportive services through ongoing case management.
Officials in Winston-Salem recently announced the completion of another supportive housing project — the renovation of Burton Street Apartments.