Hope and Community Building is published quarterly by Hope Community Builders.Designed and edited by Ken and Deb Layman.

Façade Designs for Phase II Developed

Construction permits have been secured and the infrastructure development has progressed sufficiently to begin construction of 42 new homes in Phase II of Covenant Heights. The subdivision is located on Rt. 11 South, just behind the DMV. There will be a mix of town homes and duplexes, 21 of which will be available to buyers with incomes of 60% of the median income for this area. The remaining 21 units will be available to homebuyers with higher incomes and will be sold on the open market. HCB has secured the services of Blue Ridge Design Studio to design homes in Phase II with coordinating facades. Concept designs are shown below. We are now accepting applications for these homes. If you would like more information on homes in Phase II or know of someone who would be interested in purchasing a home please contact Asrat Gebre, CEO or Duane Bontrager, Senior Building Supervisor, office phone 433-0152, or go to our website—www.hopecommunitybuilders.org

Building staff have begun using UDA Construction 2007 to steam line the home construction process.  This program coordinates estimating, accounting and scheduling for an efficient construction process.  Generating material lists, cost estimates and all aspects of construction management with sub-contractors becomes an easier task.  HCB can better assist other affordable housing providers with its experience in building cost-effective affordable homes. Recently HCB collaborated with the Harrisonburg Housing Authority to estimate and cost 22 rental units for handicapped Harrisonburg residents.  The project includes the demolition of high-density public housing units built in the 1950’s with low density one and two-bedroom units which are completely accessible.  All of these homes will have the Earth Craft certification for energy efficiency, just as all homes built by HCB have this certification.  We are pleased to be able to work with the Housing Authority on this project and will begin construction of the units when the Housing Authority has everything in place.

Richard Taveras began his term on the HCB Board of Directors in April, 2007.  A resident of Kelly Street and a HCB homeowner,  Richard has a bird’s eye view of the HCB home buying process.  Several years ago a friend told him about HCB and he first rented, and now owns his home.  His family includes his wife, Lucia and sons Andy and Stewart.  He operates his own business on Main Street, Latino Tax, where he prepares income tax forms, assists clients with translation and immigration paperwork, and operates a travel agency.  Richard’s goal is to help the Hispanic community in any way that he can.  He looks forward to serving on the HCB Board. We welcome him to this new role.

Nils, Evelyn and Nils Adam Rodriquez

Nils and Evelyn moved into their new home on Joppa Court in September, 2006.  They feel very fortunate to have a new home and are thankful for God’s good gifts to them.

Both Nils and Evelyn’s extended families are from Puerto Rico.  They both were born in the U.S. but met while in Puerto Rico in 1993.  They came to Harrisonburg after living in North Carolina.  Nils says when they came off the Interstate 81 exit they knew they would stay in Harrisonburg.  Nils and Evelyn enjoy the beauty of the area, especially the mountains.  They have lived here for 8 years.

A friend of theirs, Esperanza Valdez told Nils and Evelyn about Hope Community Builders.  Esperanza also has a home on Joppa Court.  Nils contacted Asrat Gebre who helped them with the home buying process.  They enjoy their home very much.  Nils works at Cargill Meat Soluntions in the tray pack department.  Evelyn is a homemaker and keeps the family running.  Their son, Nils Adam is 6 years old and a student at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.  We welcome Nils, Evelyn and Nils Adam to the Covenant Heights neighborhood.

Below is a plat drawing of Phase II of Covenant Heights

In April, Board Chair Wayne Teel and CEO Asrat Gebre were interviewed for the TV-3 program “Reach Out.”  Hosted by Charles Thomas, “Reach Out” gives exposure to non-profit community groups in a question and answer interview format.  Wayne and Asrat talked about the history of HCB, where homes have been built, who qualifies for a HCB home and updated viewers on the status of Phase II in the Covenant Heights neighborhood.

HOPE COMMUNITY BUILDERS is a faith-based housing provider whose purpose is to empower residents of Harrisonburg/ Rockingham County and vicinity, by creating a community of fairness, justice, and hope through the provision of safe, decent and affordable housing. HCB Officers Conard Washington—Pres. Wayne Teel—V.P./Treas. Henry Whitelow – Secretary Asrat Gebre—CEO Staff Duane Bontrager Eric Beck HCB Board Members Don Allen Pat Blakey Sarah Sampson Cephornia Smith
	Hope Community Builders 450 Rockingham Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802-5315 Phone: 540.433.0152 Email: asrat.gebre@hopecommunitybuilders.

A non-profit Community Housing Development Organization