CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many Charlotte families fear they will never be able to afford the keys to their own home.
However, Habitat Charlotte is on a mission to help people achieve that dream and get out of poverty.
The group's biggest project ever will transform 9 acres in west Charlotte.
Darcel Fennell said she is grateful she can eat in her own kitchen since Habitat for Humanity built a home for her in 2012.
“Just knowing that this is mine, I’m no longer making someone else rich by paying rent,” Fennell said.
Habitat Charlotte CEO Laura Belcher said the nonprofit will build as many as 47 single-family homes on Morris Field Drive.
“That ability to anchor home ownership in this area is a great thing. It is a blessing,” Belcher said.
The City Council voted to transfer the 9 acres to Habitat and give $1.2 million toward infrastructure.
“This land is the site of the former Plato Price High School, which was built by and for the African-American community, so it has great historical significance,” Belcher said.
Priced Out Of Charlotte - Queen City struggling with affordable housing
Fennel knows firsthand how this development will change families' lives forever.
“For somebody like myself who can't afford $1,200 rent, they'll be able to buy a home, something they can afford,” she said.
Habitat Charlotte hopes the property will officially be transferred to them by the end of the year.
[AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL SECTION]
Then, engineering, permitting and infrastructure will take about 18 months before construction can start.
The average monthly rent in Charlotte is more than $1,000, but Habitat home mortgages average just under $500.
Homeownership allows families to build equity they can use to educate children, start businesses and get out of poverty.
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