WARWICK, R.I. Originally a Baptist meeting house established in 1744, the Thomas Wilbur Homestead adds a new chapter to its long history.
House of Hope Community Development Corp. recently converted the property's old carriage house into two affordable apartments and constructed a new building with three more units to serve residents with disabilities.
“It's a wonderful example of how you can do infill housing,” says Jean Johnson, founding director of House of Hope, a 21-year-old organization that manages 104 shelter beds and 30 permanent supportive-housing units.
The group's newest apartments opened in November but look like they've long been part of the homestead and the larger neighborhood.
There's not a lot of available land in the area to do new construction projects, says Johnson. That's why rehabbing the homestead made sense. The property is also less than a mile away from a hospital and other critical services.
“Not only are we here, but everyone knows we are here,” says Johnson, noting the buildings' bright yellow paint.
“Folks can be afraid of affordable housing if they haven't experienced it. This is a example of how good affordable housing can be."
Filling a need
Although small in size with just a handful of units, the project helps meet the state's affordable housing demands.
Rhode Island's 11.4 percent unemployment rate outpaces the 9.6 percent national rate. The state has also struggled with the highest foreclosure rate in New England.
“Many people who were poor and just making it are not making it any longer,” says Johnson. In a sign of the tough economy, shelters have reported a 33 percent rise in monthly use during the past two years, according to groups working with the homeless.
After years of providing shelter and social services to the area's homeless, House of Hope branched into housing development about 10 years ago. The group's focus has remained on serving Warwick's neediest residents. Many of its clients have mental and physical disabilities.
To finance the $1.8 million Thomas Wilbur project, the group turned to federal Sec. 811 funds, which help nonprofits develop supportive housing for people with disabilities. Rhode Island Housing also provided key funding, including HOME funds.
“Rhode Island Housing is proud to be one of several partners who came together to make the Thomas Wilbur Homestead a reality,” says Richard Godfrey, executive director of Rhode Island Housing. “This is a perfect example of what can be achieved when we reuse historic buildings and turn them into good, healthy homes."
In addition to providing stable housing to some of the state's most vulnerable residents, the homes are enhancing the entire community, says Godfrey.
House of Hope has located its offices in the property's main building and its social services programs next door.
“It's a project that makes me smile every day when I come to work,” says Johnson.
THOMAS WILBUR HOMESTEAD FUNDING
- • Department of Housing and Urban Development (Sec. 811) ............................... $832,800
• Rhode Island Housing and state Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (Thresholds program) .................................................. $280,000
• Rhode Island Housing (HOME) ...................................................................... $275,000
• State Housing Resources Commission (Neighborhood Opportunities Program) ......... $250,000
• City of Warwick Office of Housing and Community Development (Community Development Block Grant) ............................................................................................... $60,000
• West Bay Community Action Program and state Offi ce of Energy Resources (weatherization funds) ...................................................................................................... $10,000
Corporation for Supportive Housing and Local Initiatives Support Corp. provided predevelopment loans and assistance.
