Advancing Freedom Forward: Transforming Housing with Collaborative Solutions
Charlotte’s recent leap to No. 38 from No. 50 in the national ranking for upward mobility is more than just a number—it’s a beacon of hope.
So what does this mean for our city? It suggests that children born in Charlotte today have a greater chance to rise out of poverty than in previous generations. But while this progress is heartening, we can’t forget that affordable housing is still a critical piece of the puzzle.
Economic mobility is often influenced by various factors, including access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and social networks. However, where a person lives has a significant effect on their ability to achieve holistic upward mobility. High-quality, affordable, and stable housing in opportunity-rich neighborhoods can make all the difference, supporting asset building and promoting economic advancement.
Consequently, even with these positive trends, the need for affordable housing in Mecklenburg County remains urgent. Economic disparities and rising living costs continue to challenge many residents, making it essential that we stay focused on keeping housing accessible for everyone.
The Power of Partnership
At Freedom Communities, we believe in the power of leveraging partnerships to drive meaningful change in the Freedom Drive Corridor of West Charlotte. In our latest video series, "Advancing Freedom Forward," we highlight the unique and impactful partnerships that are transforming the Freedom Corridor.
By uniting with dedicated organizations and companies, we are making strides in providing innovative affordable housing solutions that cater to families with an Area Median Income (AMI) below 80 percent. This critical metric often helps determine eligibility for housing assistance programs, ensuring our efforts reach those most impacted by the affordable housing crisis.
Here, we share some of the standout collaborations that are driving this progress.
Crosland Southeast: Revitalizing Spaces, Renewing Hope
Crosland Southeast is much more than a partner; they’re a major driving force behind our affordable housing initiatives. This collaboration focuses on developing new, for-rent affordable housing across Charlotte, addressing immediate housing needs, and paving the way for a more prosperous future for our families. By developing 504 new units, along with another 132 set to open in September, Crosland Southeast has helped alleviate the housing shortage in our community while preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods.
Our partnership is even more unique because we own the affordable rental properties that Crosland Southeast builds, allowing us to use those profits to reinvest in the community. This innovative model not only provides immediate housing solutions but also ensures sustainable growth and development for years to come.
Watch our video with Crosland Southeast, where we showcase the innovative approaches used to increase affordable housing options that harmonize with the existing community fabric. See firsthand how this partnership’s creative solutions and shared vision are driving transformative outcomes.
True Homes: Building a Foundation for the Future
Another one of our valued partners, True Homes, plays a crucial role in advancing our efforts toward affordable homeownership. Since 2022, True Homes has worked alongside DreamKey Partners on the Doorway to Prosperity initiative to assist families in building generational wealth through homeownership. Together, we are working on constructing 52 affordable new townhomes to make homeownership more accessible to a diverse range of families.
With Charlotte’s housing prices reaching record highs, the need for affordable homeownership opportunities are scarce. These homes play a vital role in creating opportunities for residents to build generational wealth. This includes individuals in essential service jobs—such as teachers, social workers, police officers, and firefighters—who often find it challenging to afford housing in the communities where they work.
Check out the video to see how our collaboration with True Homes is tackling Mecklenburg County's affordable housing challenges. We highlight the exciting new homes being built and the positive impact these developments will have on the community.
Habitat for Humanity: Creating Pathways to Sustainable Homeownership
And last but not least — Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region has been a cornerstone in our mission to address affordable housing needs, and their role in the Marlborough Woods project is a testament to their deep commitment. Since joining forces, Habitat for Humanity has been working with us to preserve 28 naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) units within the Marlborough Woods Neighborhood. By preserving these units, this initiative creates pathways for tenants to purchase their homes over 10 years, ensuring that families can remain in their community and build long-term generational wealth.
See how our combined efforts in strategic renovations and supportive homeownership programs are creating a future where families can thrive, stay connected to their community, and invest in their economic advancement.
Redefining Housing Through Collaboration & Holistic Care
Sometimes it takes reimagining how we approach housing to truly make a difference. That is why we are working to redefine the approach to housing by fostering strategic partnerships that amplify the impact of our initiatives. By integrating resources and expertise from various organizations, we address the multifaceted needs of our residents and ensure a holistic approach to their well-being.
But our collaboration spans beyond housing, encompassing employment, education, and health services, all of which play crucial roles in supporting families’ long-term success. So as we continue to advance freedom forward through these collaborative efforts, we remain steadfast in our commitment to not only addressing immediate housing needs but also fostering long-term, sustainable growth for every resident. Only together can we build a stronger, more equitable future for all.
