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Every year, Community Home Trust honors the spirit of neighborliness with the Deanna Carson Memorial Good Neighbor Award, presented to a homeowner who goes above and beyond to build community and embody the values of compassion, service, and connection. This award is named in memory of our beloved colleague Deanna Carson, who passed away in 2020 and whose legacy continues to inspire us all.

This year, we are thrilled to recognize Danielle Tippens, a long-time CHT homeowner at Greenbridge condos, as the 2025 award recipient.

A Quiet Force for Good

When Danielle learned she had won the Good Neighbor Award, she was surprised.

“You don’t always realize that what you do affects other people,” she reflected.

But to those around her, it was no surprise at all.

Danielle and her husband became homeowners at Greenbridge in 2010, shortly after the building opened. At the time, they had never lived in a condominium, and the experience of being in such proximity to neighbors was new. Over time, though, Danielle embraced the opportunity for connection, finding meaningful ways to build relationships with the diverse residents in her building.

“It took some time, but we’ve built strong bonds. My son’s grown up saying hi to people in the lobby, playing near the front door, just being part of something,” she said.

Finding Stability and Building Community

Before moving into their CHT home, Danielle and her husband were living in an apartment in Carrboro and struggling to stay in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. They looked to CHT for their chance at homeownership. When they saw Greenbridge under construction, the never imagined they’d build their family there.

“We wouldn’t have been able to afford this home without Community Home Trust,” Danielle shared. “We’ve been able to save money, travel, and feel financially stable in a way I never experienced growing up.”

But it’s not just about financial security for Danielle, it’s about being part of a diverse, inclusive community. She deeply values that CHT’s model integrates families of all income levels in the same spaces, breaking down the barriers that often separate communities in Chapel Hill.

Her commitment to equity extends beyond her home: Danielle also works at PeeWee Homes, another local affordable housing organization. She first learned about the opportunity there through a fellow Greenbridge resident.

Advocating and Representing Her Neighbors

Danielle has served on her building’s community board for nearly three years, something she initially took on with no prior experience.

“I didn’t even know what being on a board meant,” she laughed. “I started by just taking minutes as secretary.”

But her role grew into something more. As a representative of the CHT homeowners in the building, Danielle became a trusted voice and advocate, sharing concerns, proposing solutions, and striving to build stronger connections among all residents. She helped elevate issues like blocked windows and maintenance delays, using her board position to bring solutions forward.

“Being on the board gave me access I didn’t have before, and a better understanding of how to get things done.”

She also organizes inclusive events, like ice cream socials, that help create a greater sense of unity among residents.

She’s also been honest about the challenges CHT residents sometimes face, like feeling excluded or stigmatized. “Some don’t want to be identified as CHT buyers. There hasn’t been a lot of open conversation. I think we need more of that.”

Danielle continues to be a bridge-builder, encouraging understanding and connection.

A Natural Good Neighbor

Whether it’s cat-sitting, walking a neighbor’s dog three times a week, or offering rides and taking donations to the thrift store, Danielle does what she can to support those around her. These acts aren’t grand gestures; they’re habits formed by a lifelong belief in the power of community.

“I’ve always felt that when people live in close proximity, it’s important to know them,” she said. “People are put in our lives for a reason; and we can learn from them.”

Without family nearby, Danielle has created a chosen family in her building. From caring for sick neighbors to offering a helping hand, she sees the value in showing up for others.

“People need help. People need each other. It comes naturally to me.”

Honoring Deanna’s Legacy

Winning the award also gave Danielle the opportunity to learn more about Deanna Carson and her impact on CHT.

“It was nice learning about her and what she did for the community,” she said. “She clearly made a difference, and I’m honored to receive something in her name.”

We are honored, too. We feel lucky to have homeowners like Danielle in our CHT family. Her warmth, quiet leadership, and unshakable belief in the importance of community remind us of what being a good neighbor is all about.

Congratulations, Danielle, and thank you for all that you do.

This year’s Deanna Carson Memorial Good Neighbor Award is presented by UNC Health. Danielle and the other Community Impact Awards winners will receive their awards on October 30, 2025, at the Foundation of Home Awards dinner.