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Mission
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History
To those who call Loudoun home, it’s no mystery why families choose to live in this County, despite its lack of affordable housing. Loudoun County is a dynamic area which offers an outstanding quality of life to most of its 290,000 residents. Located just 25 miles from the nation’s capital, Loudoun has established its reputation as an international center for technology, communications and transportation. It offers high quality services to its citizens, including a first-rate educational system. It is widely known for its beautiful scenery, rich history and strong sense of community, the element which drives our affiliate to “provide a decent home in a decent community for God’s people in need.” Though the area is often characterized as affluent, the many individuals and families who fall short of such standards are left with little opportunity to experience the “American dream.” And so the gap, now recognized nationwide, widens still more in Loudoun County, the second fastest growing county in the U.S. To its credit, Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors recognized this disparity and stepped up to the challenge in 1993 when it created its Affordable Dwelling Unit program by which new homes provided by the County’s homebuilders are sold to income-qualified (30% to 70% AMI) families at less than half the market price. In 2005, efforts were expanded with the creation of Loudoun County’s Housing Advisory Board whose mission is to make policy and program recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on unmet housing needs (below 100% of AMI) of people who live and work in Loudoun County. Its recently commissioned AECOM Housing Study projects a shocking shortage of 30,000 affordable housing units by year 2030—units which would house workers in construction, transportation, warehousing, government, and retail industries. While Loudoun is to be applauded for its efforts, it is not enough and will require assistance from many providers, the non-profit sector included.
Our history now propels us into our future. Currently, underway is our five-home development, The Erin Petersen Subdivision, in St. Louis, just outside Middleburg in western Loudoun. The first house was completed in December 2009. Construction of the second house is nearing completion, the third will begin in early 2012 and the last two will follow. Future development will include a homesite in Round Hill. LHFH’s most aggressive planning, however, involves participation in HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program in conjunction with Loudoun County and Virginia Habitat for Humanity's efforts to stabilize some of the older neighborhoods in the east. To date we have acquired six homes: four in Sterling and one in Leesburg. These five homes have been successfully rehabilitated and sold to partner families. Work on a 6th home, in Sterling will begin in January 2012. Within the next year we hope to acquire an additional two to three homes. And, indeed our search for affordable, buildable property continues throughout the County.
Our greatest challenges lie within our ability to attract corporate sponsors, partner with the faith communities, and morph LHFH into a well-known organization whose mission and commitment transcend the sacrifices of time and energy of its volunteers. If you’re up to the task, why not join us on this remarkable journey? Take a few moments and read of the volunteer opportunities here on our website. Our country’s President has set forth the challenge of giving back to the community. LHFH can provide you with just that opportunity. |
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