Ground broken, blessed on Haywood Street for affordable housing complex
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (HERE NEWS) — Soon, 41 families will have a home, as on Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Haywood Street Community Development and its community came together to celebrate ground being broken on its new three-story deeply affordable housing complex.
Community Support
“Today is when we make a huge shift from all the planning we’ve been doing, to actually getting started on construction,” said HSCD Co-Founder Laura Kirby. “Our hope with the apartments is to fill them with the spirit of community you’re seeing begin to gather here.” The congregation helps to give those in need a new lease on life.
A Path to Renewal
Leases like the path that Pamela Hamrick took. She went from homeless to board member with Haywood Street. “I came up here searching for help,” she said. “I’m in awe. I’m grateful of how many people have opened their hearts to this community and people in this situation.” People like Pamela were recognized, as well as those no longer living but who have made an impact.
Blessing of the Ground
The ground was blessed with a vigil created by those in attendance with different symbolic elements. “The keys represent people moving into their new homes,” Kirby said. “The stones represent a solid foundation.”
Community vs. Complex
The ceremony encapsulated the goal for Haywood, that it’s not a complex, it’s a community. “It’s not just a place where people live,” Kirby said. “It’s a place where people feel a part of something. They have connections with their neighbors.”
From Houseless to Helper
“When I first came to Haywood Street, I was houseless,” Hamrick said. “Now, I’m a part of the team to make this dream come true.” Construction will begin in three to four weeks, and the first occupants are expected to move into the units in about a year to a year-and-a-half.
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
