Potential Cumberland Affordable Housing Project Would Answer High Need

Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity says the need is high for more affordable housing in the county.

UCDD is pursuing a USDA housing project that could bring up to 160 affordable homes to the area. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Vanessa Petty said the opportunity could help close the gap.

“We have a lot of people that come through here looking for affordable housing or needing affordable housing,” Petty said. “Because of the access to volunteers and the resources we have, we can only build so many houses, and right now, we average three houses a year. But, we have hundreds that apply every month.”

Petty said apartment and home costs have significantly increased in Cumberland County. Petty said many of the people that come to her office are living with family members, because affordable housing is not available.

“I think it is a lot of things that go on with supply and demand of housing here, whether it be apartments or rentals,” Petty said. “We have a lot of people coming in looking for affordable housing. Again, people looking or living with others. People just not being able to afford the rent that is available. So, we’ve definitely seen an influx.”

The housing partnership would create single family residences that cost less than $180,000. Petty said the opportunity could change the lives of individuals and families across Cumberland County.

“From a habitat for humanity standpoint, if this is an opportunity, we would be willing to partner and want to partner with the Upper Cumberland Development District to see if we could have access to that as well,” Petty said.