A 74-unit affordable housing development for seniors has opened in Houston’s historic Third Ward.
The Citadel at Elgin is funded in part by $10.25 million in federal disaster relief funds administered by the city’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The NHP Foundation (NHPF) also secured 4% low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to develop the new project.
“Third Ward is one of Houston’s oldest and most distinct neighborhoods,” Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said. “The city welcomes this beautiful property to the community, and we are proud to be a partner. It furthers the goal of adding 7,000 new affordable apartment homes in Houston by the end of 2023.”
The property, which features 11 studio and 63 one-bedroom apartments, is managed by local nonprofit Change Happens Community Development Corp. (CDC), which purchases and renovates dilapidated homes and vacant lots to develop affordable single-family and multifamily housing.
“This is the culmination of a decades-long effort to end blight and improve the neighborhood,” said the Rev. Leslie Smith II, CEO and founder of Change Happens CDC. “I had a dream in 1983 that led me to create Change Happens to transform an at-risk community by rehabilitating crack houses and providing affordable living options in Third Ward. Standing here today, I am in awe of what we have accomplished thus far.”
The Citadel at Elgin is one of five NHPF affordable apartment communities in Houston.
“The opening of The Citadel creates a beautiful and affordable place for seniors on very limited incomes so they can live in dignity and remain close to friends and family living nearby,” said Eric Price, president of the NHP Foundation. “This is our newest affordable housing property in Houston and is part of NHPF’s Affiliate Program which partners with local organizations including faith-based entities to bring development, finance, asset management, resident services, fund raising and other managerial assistance to them.”
