THDA grant helps Habitat build in Uptown

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis have announced a challenge grant that will support Habitat for Humanity International’s 2016 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

THDA will match the first $1 million in donations for the project, which will take place Aug. 21-27, 2016. It will include the construction of 21 new homes in Bearwater Park; 33 beautification projects, including minor repairs, painting and landscaping; and 45 Aging in Place program projects that will enhance accessibility and mobility for low-income seniors.

Ralph Perrey, Executive Director of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency – the state’s housing finance agency – said the project is a big accomplishment for the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.

“We hope our $1 million pledge will open people’s eyes to the size and scope of what Habitat for Humanity has planned for the Bearwater Park neighborhood and the Memphis area,” he said. “THDA is committed to the cause, and we hope our financial support will inspire others to get involved and donate.”

Bearwater Park is an area of Uptown Memphis. It will serve as the location for new home construction next August. The nonprofit organization Oasis of Hope has donated the land at 1010 N. Third St. that will be used for the new homes.

The 2016 Carter Work Project will be the 33rd year former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter build with Habitat for Humanity. They were in Memphis in early November to announce the build.

THDA is a self-funded organization that doesn’t receive state tax dollars. The challenge grant funding comes from the agency’s own revenues, which are generated from single-family home loans to middle- and moderate-income families.