Past Newsletters
Dear Subscriber,
When you think of “back to school” time, what do you think about? Maybe your kids are feeling a little sad about the end of backyard cookouts and pool playdates and making new friends at camp. Shopping for school supplies is definitely on many people’s minds right about now, with backpacks and #2 pencils flying off the shelves. And maybe you remember that nervous/excited feeling of butterflies that comes with meet-the-teacher days and open houses.
But when you think about going back to school, do you think about housing? Well, there’s no shortage of research that says you should. (I’ve shared some links to the research at the end of this letter.)
According to the Center for Housing Policy, a Division of the National Housing Conference, “stable, affordable housing may increase children’s opportunities for educational success. A supportive and stable home environment can complement the efforts of educators, leading to improved student achievement. Affordable housing may foster the educational success of low-income children by supporting family financial stability, reducing mobility, providing safe, nurturing living environments, and providing a platform for community development.”
In fact, in our own 30-year impact study in 2021, we asked our residents about how their CHT housing has affected their children’s educational outcomes. Twenty-two percent of respondents indicated that their children’s grades have improved since moving into their CHT homes, and 64% reported feeling “better” or “much better” about their children’s future.
We know that stable, safe, affordable housing has impacts on all aspects of a person’s life: from their physical health to their emotional wellbeing to their job security – to their family’s educational outcomes, too. As my own kids prepare to head back to school, I’m so grateful for our CHT community, working together to make sure our community’s kids have the homes they need to help them be successful in school.
Happy back to school season!
Kimberly Sanchez, Executive Director
P.S. If you’re interested in reading more about the connection between stable housing and educational success, here are some great resources:
- Center for Housing Policy, The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Education: A Research Summary
- Habitat for Humanity, How does housing affect children’s education?
- Housing Matters,How Housing Can Determine Educational, Health, and Economic Outcomes
- Local Housing Solutions, Housing and education
- PD&R Edge, Housing as a Portal to Better Educational and Life Outcomes
Development Updates
KB Home’s Bridgepoint development is looking SO great! Our Property Manager got to walk through our first unit coming online soon, and he took some pictures of the newly installed cabinets, countertops, and flooring. We can’t wait until our first Bridgepoint homeowner moves in!
If you are interested in purchasing a home in Bridgepoint from CHT, it’s important to apply to our program as soon as possible. We do not have a separate application process for Bridgepoint, and CHT sales will not be handled through KB Home. As with all our other home sales, our Bridgepoint homes will be sold to applicants already on our CHT applicant list.
In the Community
Join us as we participate in the Good Neighbor Initiative , a collaborative partnership between the Town of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill, the Town of Carrboro, EmPowerment Inc., the Jackson Center, and other community partners. The purpose is to talk to students before the academic year gets underway about the local laws and ordinances that, if followed, will reduce the likelihood of problems between neighbors and visits from the police.
Click to volunteer with us and help build connections with our student neighbors!
CHT Residents
Nominate a neighbor!
Who do you know who exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbor? Maybe it’s a CHT homeowner who is active in your HOA, or maybe it’s someone who’s a more “unofficial” leader, baking cookies for new neighbors or welcoming all the neighborhood kids on scooters. Maybe it’s YOU!
At our Annual Meeting and Block Party on September 24, we will present our annual Deanna Carson Memorial Good Neighbor Award to the CHT resident who YOU nominate. Tell us who should win!
New on the Blog: Meet P.J.
“I think it’s important to be in the community: I work in the community, I really enjoy the community, and I wanted to be able to live in the community. I don’t want to live so far out that I’m not part of it. I feel like where my work is, that’s my community. I like to be in my community and spend money in my community,” says P.J.
We’re Looking for a Few Good Board Members!
This fall, in conjunction with our Annual Meeting and Block Party, we will elect new members of our Board of Directors, including two CHT homeowners or tenants and one community member, all Orange County residents.
Did you know that our Board application is always open? If you think you’d like to serve on our Board, either in the coming year or some other time in the future, click to learn more and complete the online application.
Annual Meeting and Block Party
Meet LeAngela Baker!
LeAngela is a CHT homeowner and fitness instructor who will be leading a fun family-friendly fitness class at our Annual Meeting and Block Party on Sunday, September 24, 3-7 p.m.
We’ll also have…
- FREE food from Game Time Hot Dogs, Cubanita’s Delicacies, and Locopops (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options!)
- Live music with CHT homeowner Kevin Baker
- Face painting with Fun Faces by Sherry
- ZimZoom Photobooth
- Raffle prizes from CHT homeowner Bond Brothers Brewing, Chapel Hill Toffee, and Caribou Coffee
- Community awards
- and MORE!
Coming Soon!
Coming to market soon, 313 Sonoma Way is a 3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom townhome in Vineyard Square.
There are lots of beautiful upgrades to enjoy! The kitchen has granite countertops, tile backsplash, newly painted cabinets, and a large island with a butcher block countertop and plenty of room for barstools. Laminate flooring (and some hardwoods) run throughout the entire home, and many rooms have been painted. Downstairs also features a separate dining room, living room, pantry, half bath, coat closet, and a special storage area under the stairs. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, laundry room, and a linen closet. Enjoy the extra space on the extended outdoor patio, take advantage of the neighborhood playground, or visit a nearby park. Shopping, dining, schools, UNC, I-40, and walking trails are just minutes away.
Upcoming Education Opportunities
CHT Orientation: Everyone is welcome to attend this in-depth introduction to our program in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. In-person and Zoom options available. Next session: August 9, 12 noon, in person at our office. Register here.
Homebuyer Education: This 8-hour class is offered in-person in our office (105 Conner Drive, Suite 1000, Chapel Hill) and gives potential buyers the tools to navigate the home-buying process. Completion of this class is a requirement of the program and most lenders, and attendance for the whole session is required to receive the certificate. This class is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Next session: September 2, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Supplemental live sessions are also available for those who have attended an online program. Contact Program Coordinator Deja Gilmore at dgilmore@communityhometrust.org for details and to register.
Home Maintenance: Open to CHT homeowners only and conducted via Zoom. Discuss the major systems of a home, typical maintenance, troubleshooting, and potential expenses. This also is an opportunity to review the CHT Stewardship program. Contact Property Manager Ian Morse at imorse@communityhometrust.org for more information about dates and registration.
