Help get the First Home project over the finish line!

WCHT came together in 2021 to respond to the local housing crisis with action. Our area saw a massive jump in the price of homes during the pandemic, driven by the perception of this place as safe. The median price to buy a home rose above half a million and has remained at record levels (current Watauga median: $538,000), in an area that was already struggling to manage above average rental prices. The cost of building and the scarcity of suitable sites in our mountain region means development has not kept up with the need for housing for the majority of people.

With the tragedy of Helene, the need for affordable housing has compounded even further. The call for a concerted grassroots effort to build more affordable homes is clear. We chose the Housing Trust model because it offers a systemic response that grows steadily in impact with each home it builds, while putting nearby residents in the driver's seat.

We're using this first home to demonstrate how the development process can listen to and meet the specific needs of each neighborhood. Housing Trust homes provide a step up out of the rental market, allowing new homeowners stable living, neighborhood support, and equity that builds over time. When families are ready to move on, the Trust structure ensures the home is available for someone else who needs it.

Rebuilding this home has been more expensive than we anticipated. Preserving this 100-year old home has challenged us at every step, and through it we've developed strong relationships with the building community. But we have accomplished everything so far with less than $2,000 in supplies/overhead. Our volunteer structure has directed everything we've raised to improving this home.

Many expenses we've had are investments in accessibility, energy efficiency, and the home's long-term future. The entire original foundation and floor system was replaced and modernized:

We've added a new back deck to add living space:

The home's insulation envelope has been raised to Net-Zero Energy Ready standards:

The entire roof has been reframed and reshingled:

New gutters, drain systems, and grading for stormwater remediation are some of our next steps as we the home trim out.

We've received incredible material support from local business donors:

Ferguson
New River Building Supply
Huber Engineered Woods
Greenfiber
LG/ACR Supply
Perrybuilt Homes

ABC Supply
Sunvolt Electric
Mountaineer Electric
CED Boone

Marvin Windows

American Gypsum
Fred Miller Plumbing
EB Remodeling & Construction

Jeff Roberts Custom Homes

Howard Building Science

In-kind donations have made a huge difference in our building costs. Your support will help pay for the following items we haven't received through donations or done with volunteer support yet: These are the specific things we still need to pay for or find a donation for:

Front Porch- $7,000
Loft Stairs- $6,000
Cabinets/Countertops- $5,000
Appliances- $4,000 (Electric Range, Counter Depth Fridge, Dishwasher)
Exterior Paint- $2,000
Bathroom Vanity- $1,200
Paint- $1,000
Room trim- $1,000
Interior Doors- $500
Door Hardware- $300

Our next project will begin with a neighborhood visioning process to shape a new build from the ground up. We're looking forward to bringing everyone who has worked with us together when this home is finished. This GivingTuesday, we're launching a new campaign for $50,000 to finish this first home and launch the next stage of the Housing Trust.

Help us by sharing our GivingTuesday link. Recovery from the hurricane will takes years, and every home we can build helps keep families from being forced out of our community. Starting with this home, WCHT will continue to add more options to the home market for families who live and work here. We are building this organization as a tool for the whole community to use, and invite you to be part of this work.

You can help by sharing our GivingTuesday post on or before December 3rd, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving:

givebutter.com/wcht2024

Make your contribution to permanently affordable housing in Watauga, and thank you again to everyone who has supported us so far. Look out for more progress updates and happy holidays to all.

-The WCHT Board

wataugacommunityhousingtrust.org

WCHT #GivingTuesday 2024

By Watauga Community Housing Trust

WCHT #GivingTuesday 2024

Help us finish our first home build and start the next one!