RALEIGH, N.C.–– A Wilmington housing initiative to benefit individuals with disabilities has gained the support of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members via the SECU Foundation. Construction is underway for Pearce House, a permanent supportive housing complex developed by Housing and Economic Opportunities (HEO), Inc., with the help of the Foundation’s interest-free loan of nearly $413,000. The SECU Foundation said it worked in conjunction with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) to provide construction financing for the single-unit apartments.
Housing and Economics Opportunities, Inc., a non-profit subsidiary of the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA), has been working to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents since 1998. Pearce House apartments will be handicap accessible, with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/dining area and living room. Support and in-home care services for residents will be provided through the non-profit’s partnerships with the community, including Elderhaus, Inc.
“The Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington is pleased to be able to offer additional supportive housing units to the community upon completion of Pearce House,” said Katrina Redmon, WHA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are very grateful to State Employees’ Credit Union members, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, the City of Wilmington, and Elderhaus, Inc. for their partnership and support, which has helped to make this possible.”
Cindy Miller, Vice President of SECU’s Wilmington-Randall Parkway branch commented, “This project is another great example of SECU Foundation working together with local agencies and non-profits to help address the great need for supportive housing in the Wilmington area. Creating safe, affordable places to live like Pearce House shows SECU members’ commitment and belief in helping their fellow neighbors and the communities in which they live.”