Gateway Community Development Corp.

A.L. Harris Estates
Henderson, N.C.

View the full Gateway Community Development Corp. profile.

The county that contains the small, rural community of Henderson had posted some alarming statistics: a poverty rate above 24 percent, an unemployment rate of 7.6 percent, below-average wages in every sector of the economy, and the highest infant mortality rate in the nation. Housing choices were equally dismal, consisting almost entirely of over-priced rental apartments and mobile homes.

"This is the mobile home capital of North Carolina, and I often felt depressed about that being my only option outside of apartments. I always wanted a home out in the country, but once I learned of the opportunities that existed with Gateway, I totally changed my thinking. Our community is extra special and my home is extra beautiful." — Ponchita L. Baker, homeowner

In response to the obvious need, Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) brought a variety of funding resources together to create the A.L. Harris Estates, a partially forested subdivision located a mile from downtown Henderson. Situated between a stable but stagnant older community and a troubled public-housing project, A.L. Harris Estates provides attractive housing opportunities to first-time, low- and very low-income home buyers. Cost-effective modular construction kept the new houses affordable, while custom touches added variety and interest to the architecture. The new homeowners meet regularly to discuss community issues, and in a true spirit of family partnership, they include their children in budget-counseling sessions.

The win-win character of the project, however, has been the key to its success. The new family-friendly homes have provided a much-needed housing alternative for area residents, and the A.L. Harris Estates community is having a positive spillover effect on both of its neighboring communities. The predominantly elderly residents of the adjoining neighborhood have seen their property values increase, and the public-housing residents have witnessed reduced crime and renewed community-improvement efforts. As the only developer within the city limits of Henderson, Gateway CDC seized a unique opportunity to provide a solution to one of the area's most pressing concerns.

View the full Gateway Community Development Corp. profile.

For more information on the Maxwell Awards, read Ten Years of Maxwell Awards.