At a time when millions of people have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hope Housing has broken ground on its 10th affordable housing community.
New Hope Housing Avenue J is being built in Houston’s culturally rich East End, a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood with escalating rents. The transit-oriented development will be close to job opportunities and nearby amenities, including a grocery store, a pharmacy, a library, public parks, a hike and bike trail, and schools.
“New Hope Housing Avenue J is an important step toward meeting our commitment to increasing housing opportunities for all Houstonians,” said mayor Sylvester Turner. “This is especially critical now as we endure a health pandemic. We know housing is foundational for health and healing. Having a home is the beginning of having good health care. We commend New Hope’s efforts to further the hopes and aspirations of all Houstonians.”
Occupants of the nonprofit’s properties include the working poor, formerly homeless, veterans, the elderly, the chronically ill, people with cognitive and physical impairments, and those overcoming substance abuse.
All of the organization’s developments feature on-site support and recovery services to help residents gain stability and remain in housing. Support services include case management, access to mental health care, legal assistance, health and nutritional counseling, financial education, and life-skills training, and, in some instances, rental supports.
Designed by Kirksey, an award-winning Houston- and Austin-based architecture firm, New Hope Housing Avenue J will offer 100 one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. Each will feature a full kitchen with granite countertops, quality cabinetry, and a washer and a dryer. Residents will enjoy a social engagement room, a community dining room with a warming kitchen, a business center, and covered parking. Monthly rents will range from approximately $450 to $1,000, based on income and availability. Camden Builders is partnering on its ninth project with New Hope Housing as the contractor.
The energy-efficient property will feature an upper-level terrace with play equipment, seating areas, and a panoramic view of downtown Houston. Many of the living units will face the downtown skyline.
“Houston’s reputation for housing affordability is rapidly disappearing. And the loss of affordability falls heaviest on renter households,” said Joy Horak-Brown, president and CEO of New Hope Housing.
The Avenue J capital fundraising campaign is 92% complete, with additional contributions being raised.
The $35 million project is supported by low-income housing tax credits allocated by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and invested by BBVA Compass through National Equity Fund.
Other partners include the Department of Housing and Urban Development; Housing and Community Development Department of the city of Houston; Laura and John Arnold; The Cullen Foundation; The Powell Foundation; The Brown Foundation; and John P. McGovern Foundation.
