Our latest acquisition is located in the heart of the Columbia Heights commercial district one block from Metro. Following rehab, it will provide housing for extremely low-income residents with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities, including mental illness and in recovery from substance abuse.

On Nov. 21, Building Futures’ affiliate Daffodil House purchased a 32-unit residential property in Columbia Heights. After rehab, the property will provide homes for 31 households living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities, including mental illness and substance abuse.

“We’re really excited about expanding the stock of housing affordable to extremely low-income persons with disabilities,” stated Maritza Falero, property manager. “To purchase a building in such a prime location just a block from the Columbia Heights Metro station and on the same block as the DCUSA project with the Target and Best Buy is almost unbelievable. This will be housing everyone wants and deserves.”

Initial acquisition funding for the property came through the District of Columbia’s Housing Production Trust Fund. The Department of Housing and Community Development‘s Site Acquisition Funding Initiative enabled Daffodil House to purchase the property through two local lenders, City First Bank of DC and Cornerstone, Inc. Cornerstone also provided a forgivable grant of $80,000 to allow the project to proceed.

Permanent sources of financing are currently being identified, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2009. Major construction items include a new roof, a new elevator, modifications to the front entrance and first floor hallway to allow wheelchair access, significant energy conservation upgrades, updating of kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and other unit repairs.

Once completed, the building’s 32 efficiencies will provide homes for 31 individuals or small households. Building Futures will provide onsite property management, case management, and supportive services and a function room in the remaining unit.

For more information, contact Steve Seuser, executive director.