The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC), in partnership with Virginia Housing and local housing groups, announces a new Regional Housing Development Program that will expand affordable housing options for low to moderate-income individuals and families in the WPPDC region.
The Regional Housing Development Program is focused on making a meaningful impact in our communities by addressing the critical need for affordable housing. Key initiatives include:
- Increasing Affordable Housing Inventory: Developing new affordable and workforce housing units through construction, rehabilitation of vacant properties, or adaptive reuse of existing structures.
- Serving Underserved Markets: Prioritizing housing production in areas with limited affordable housing options, including rural communities and historically marginalized populations, with a focus on first-time homebuyers.
- Promoting Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between local organizations, governments, and the housing delivery network to achieve shared housing goals.
This initiative is a partnership between WPPDC, the Harvest Foundation, Henry County, the Fuller Center for Housing of Martinsville-Henry County, Danville-Pittsylvania Habitat for Humanity, and Landmark Asset Services, Inc.
“Ensuring access to safe, affordable housing is essential for the well-being and economic vitality of our region,” said Sean Campbell, deputy director of the West Piedmont Planning District Commission. “This initiative allows us to work strategically with our partners to create sustainable housing solutions that benefit our residents and support a thriving community.”
The program supports the development of single-family units, and homeownership opportunities are available for first-time homebuyers within the Virginia Housing regional income limits.
“Virginia Housing is excited to partner with the West Piedmont Planning District Commission and community partners to bring more affordable housing to Henry County,” said Chris Thompson, director of strategic housing for Virginia Housing. “This effort is an outstanding example of the power of working together to leverage resources and commit to action to address a critical issue and ultimately, provide safe, affordable, and quality housing to the community.”
This regional housing initiative directly addresses the needs in our region identified in the comprehensive housing study released by WPPDC in the spring of 2024. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech and Housing Forward Virginia. Its goal was to address housing challenges and develop sustainable housing solutions for the region.
One project aims to build two single-family homes for low-income families in Martinsville through a partnership between The Fuller Center for Housing of Martinsville-Henry County, The Harvest Foundation, and WPPDC. The Fuller Center for Housing of Martinsville-Henry County, originally a Habitat for Humanity affiliate since 1988, has built over 40 homes and provided essential home repairs throughout the community.
“The Fuller Center is honored to have the West Piedmont Planning District Commission and the Harvest Foundation come alongside us to not only build these homes, but brighter futures, as well,” said Beth Stinnett, executive director of the local Fuller Center for Housing. “With our combined efforts, homeownership is now a reality for these two families. We strongly believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable home. We also believe in our community and the power of partnerships. ”
“We know that safe, secure housing is the cornerstone for families to build stability and sustainability in Martinsville-Henry County,” said DeWitt House, vice president for community investments at the Harvest Foundation. “Home ownership is a vehicle for generational wealth and a pathway to economic mobility that can transform lives for decades to come. Housing is needed at all levels in our community, and it is through strong partnerships like this regional initiative with the West Piedmont Planning District Commission that real progress is possible. We are thrilled to see new housing opportunities taking shape, and we are confident in WPPDC’s leadership to carry this important work forward.”
In Villa Heights, Henry County’s initiative will create 13 affordable homes, supported by matching funds from the PDC and Harvest Foundation in partnership with the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust.
“The grant will allow us to turn regional collaboration into real, tangible housing solutions for our communities,” said Henry County Administrator Dale Wagoner. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand affordable and workforce housing, particularly for first-time homebuyers. This initiative also gives us a chance to diversify the types of housing available in Henry County, which is critical as we work to modernize an aging housing stock and meet the needs of current and future residents.”
WPPDC has worked with the Danville-Pittsylvania Habitat for Humanity on several housing projects. For the fourth project, they are working together to build a single-family home in the city of Danville that will benefit a low-income family. According to their executive director, this funding will advance their efforts to provide safe, affordable housing for families in need, beginning with the construction of a new home on Martin Avenue.
“Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity is honored to receive this generous grant from the West Piedmont Planning District Commission through the Virginia Housing Regional Housing Development Program,” said Krystal Davis, executive director for Danville-Pittsylvania Habitat for Humanity. “We commend the PDC’s commitment to regional collaboration and strategic investment in housing solutions that strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.”
Also in Danville, WPPDC is working with Landmark Asset Services on Seeland Valley Apartments, which will provide 52 rental opportunities for very low to low-income residents. The WPPDC will manage the development of projects, ensuring compliance with program rules.
