 
Welcome Home - Housing Complex for people with disabilities opens its doorsBy Layla Farmer People with disabilities in Winston-Salem now have a new place to call home. Local and state officials were among those on hand April 28 for the grand opening of Hunters Hill, a 12-unit supportive housing community on Hutton Street. All of the apartments are affordable for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), organizers say. "We have created 12 permanent, supportive housing units that will enable residents to achieve a level of security and independence that would not otherwise be possible," said Garry Merritt, chair of the N.C. Housing Foundation, which partnered with the now defunct Center for Homeownership and other local partners to make Hunters Hill a reality. Thammaulus Walker was the first resident to move into the complex. Walker, who suffers from a mental health condition, said he learned of the project when it was still under construction and has anxiously awaited its completion. Walker, who was living with his grandmother prior to moving into the complex, says his newfound freedom is a welcome change. "I love it," declared the 36-year old. "They've got cameras everywhere and everything. It's so quiet and you know it's safe." Diane Evans, director of Development for NC Housing Foundation, said the partnerships that brought the project to fruition were a key component and an important landmark for local organizations. "It kind of sets a precedent in the community for future endeavors," Evans said. "It shows how well different groups with different missions can come together and make a (successful project)." The Center for Homeownership announced earlier this year that it was closing its doors because of budget concerns, after 13 years of service to Winston-Salem. "I'm very proud of it and very proud of the legacy that our organization is leaving in the community," Jane Milner, who retired as the Center's executive director in March, said in reference to Hunters Hill. "It's just a beautiful project and it's been a wonderful team to work with." Bob Kucab, executive director of the NC Housing Finance Agency, which helped finance the project, praised State Sen. Linda Garrou, whom he says has been a staunch supporter of projects like Hunters Hill in the Senate. "We would not be standing here if Sen. Garrou had not been a champion of our appropriations," Kucab said. "I cannot say enough about her support." Garrou said she was grateful to be able to witness the project's completion. "It's just wonderful," the Senator said. "You seldom have an opportunity to see the decisions that you make come to fruition like this. It's so exciting; I feel very blessed." Mayor Allen Joines said the Hunters Hill community will answer several needs in the city. It contributes to the city's Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness by providing affordable housing to a population that is more likely to become chronically homeless, and it complements the city's ongoing revitalization efforts, he said. "This project...creates such a wonderful anchor for this street and this neighborhood," Joines remarked. "It's going to set the bar very high for this neighborhood." Maria Stevens, one of Hunters Hill's newest residents, expressed her gratitude to supporters of the project before a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I thank you for all that you have done for us," she said. "Y'all listened to God's voice so that we may have a better chance and a more excellent way of living."" Click below for other news stories featuring Senator Garrou.
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