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In affordable housing work, “NOAH” is a term we use to talk about a specific type of housing: naturally occurring affordable housing.

NOAH refers to existing homes that are currently affordably priced without any government subsidy. Often, NOAH is older rental housing stock that is not well maintained, and it is not uncommon for these affordable homes to be in communities of color that are threatened by gentrification. These properties are often quickly bought by developers and flipped, removing affordable housing stock. Nonprofits work hard to try to combat market forces, but without quick access to capital, affordable homes are lost permanently.

Preserving NOAH is one of the most efficient ways of ensuring a community’s residents have an affordable place to call home. It is one of the most important tools in the affordable housing toolbox, but it can be expensive and complicated, and not all organizations have the funding or support to make this kind of work happen.

That’s why I’m so grateful that Community Home Trust recently had the opportunity to preserve five NOAH units in Durham, thanks to the investment of the Oak Foundation and the Durham Affordable Housing Loan Fund. For five families, some of whom had lived in their affordable homes for decades, this investment means they won’t be evicted. Moreover, their homes have been completely renovated, in some cases literally from the studs up, and they are now safe at home in their permanently affordable – and beautiful! — land trust homes. Whether the families remain as Community Home Trust’s tenants or choose to purchase their homes through our land trust model, they are guaranteed a permanently affordable place to live as long as they want to stay.

There’s so much more to this story that I’d love to share with you. That’s why I hope you’ll join us for the premiere of an impact film we’ve made about this project on Tuesday, February 18 at 7p.m. The film highlights the stories of the families who live in these homes, and it shares some glimpses of the incredible transformations of the houses, too. (So if you’re a fan of home renovation shows, you won’t be disappointed!) The premiere, hosted by the beautiful Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham, will be followed by a panel discussion with several people who were involved in the work. The whole evening promises to be a beautiful celebration of home.

Tickets are available now. They’re free, but seating is limited, so reserve your seats today to ensure you don’t miss your chance to join us.  

Kimberly Sanchez, Executive Director