NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Housing Development Corporation of Hampton Road (HDCofHR) has been helping those in need like low-income, disabled or veterans find housing for over 15 years.
Standing on Long Green Lane in Hampton, Sister David Ann Niski described one of the single-family homes lining the street.
"This is a probably 700-square-foot house," Sister Niski said. "It has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen."
She also shared an intangible feature of the house-- it's a safe place to call 'home'.
"There are so many people who are out on the streets," Sister Niski said. "Affordable and rental and quality is really very difficult to find."
Sister Niski serves as board secretary of the Housing Development Corporation of Hampton Roads. The nonprofit owns 31 units over 18 properties across Hampton and Newport News, including the home on Long Green Lane.
HDCofHR was created in 2005 and purchased its first property three years later. The group rents at affordable rates to people and families who are homeless, low-income, disabled, or veterans and works with community partners to address critical housing needs.
"To be cost-burdened as a renter, it means that you're paying more than thirty percent of your annual income... You're either going without food, clothing, [or] medical care," Sister Niski said. "We're trying to find places that people can afford."
The nonprofit buys and maintains houses and apartment buildings by using grant and community funding. Board President Josh David said the properties are rehabilitated by volunteers and businesses that provide discounted services.
"People are willing to help us because we are serving a mission," David said. "We're providing opportunities for people that, perhaps, couldn't qualify and couldn't live in other affordable housing."
David said HDCofHR's rental rates fall within or below the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's affordable housing guidelines.
"We're trying to serve the people who most need that service," David said.
The nonprofit believes housing is a major milestone in improving the quality of life for people in need.
"We want them to be able to live in a place where they feel at home, comfortable, can build relationships, can become involved in their communities," Sister Niski said.
David said the group wants to ensure vulnerable groups have the safety and security that others may take for granted.
"You have [a] place to wake up every morning and go to sleep every night with that stability," David said. "That's the need in the community that we're trying to fulfill."
You can support HDCofHR by donating money, goods, services, or your time.
People, businesses, and community organizations are also invited to participate in the nonprofit's Adopt-A-House program, which includes volunteering and a $1,000 commitment.