Asheville: Ground broken, blessed on Haywood Street for affordable housing complex

Groundbreaking Moment for Affordable Housing Complex

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Haywood Street Community Development and its community gathered to mark a significant milestone—the groundbreaking of a new three-story deeply affordable housing complex. This development is set to provide homes for 41 families, fostering a sense of community and support for those in need.

Shifting from Planning to Construction

“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. The vision behind the apartments is to create a space filled with the spirit of community, nurturing connections among residents and fostering a sense of belonging.

Leases like the one Pamela Hamrick found have transformed lives, allowing individuals like her to move from homelessness to becoming active members of the community and even board members with Haywood Street. Pamela expressed gratitude for the support and compassion extended to those in need.

A Symbolic Blessing

The groundbreaking ceremony was more than just a formal event—it was a moment of symbolic significance. Attendees participated in a vigil, incorporating symbolic elements like keys and stones. These elements represented moving into new homes and laying a solid foundation for the community, emphasizing the deeper purpose behind the housing complex.

Building a Community, Not Just a Complex

Haywood Street strives to be more than just a housing complex—it aims to create a vibrant and inclusive community where residents feel connected and supported. Laura Kirby emphasized that Haywood is a place where individuals can forge meaningful relationships and feel a sense of belonging.

Pamela Hamrick shared her journey from houselessness to actively contributing to the realization of this community dream. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and community support.

Moving Forward

Construction is set to commence in the coming weeks, with the first occupants expected to move in within a year to a year and a half. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Haywood Street and its vision of providing deeply affordable housing while fostering a strong sense of community.