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Lowe’s donates $200K to affordable housing complex serving those living with disabilities

CHARLOTTE — The Havens in east Charlotte is an affordable community built in the 1990s, serving people living with HIV or a disability.

Resident Tonia Gaddy is on disability and takes care of her two nephews.

“I love it,” she said. “You have your own space. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but it’s perfect for me. It’s perfect me and my family.”

But the units are definitely showing age and need upgrades.

Nathan Smith with RAIN -- an organization that provides support to residents living with HIV -- said the complex has been making minor upgrades but is due for some major repairs.

“The property’s been around for 30 years and it’s always been for people that have disabilities and living with HIV and we continue to be that way and it’s really just about people that need affordable housing and that will still be the same. That will never change,” Smith said.

Lowe’s surprised the Havens and RAIN with a $200,000 check to renovate 25 units and some common spaces.

“I’m assuming that it cost a lot to keep maintenance up and running to par so I think it’s a blessing,” Gaddy said. “I thank Lowe’s for the contribution.”

The Havens and Lowe’s hope to start renovations soon. Channel 9 learned the residents will be put up in different housing until until the repairs are complete.

(WATCH: Surrounding counties not immune to Charlotte’s affordable housing crisis)