PDC Grant Spotlight
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
April 8, 2024
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) was proactive when it came to addressing the region’s housing needs. In 2021 they applied for Virginia Housing’s Planning District Commission (PDC) grant long before their housing study ever took place. Knowing a housing shortage was straining the residents in their community, they acted fast to secure grant funding to start developments of much-needed affordable housing in the Shenandoah Valley. This area is home to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, where the student population along with residents moving from more rural areas like Bath County call for more housing at a more affordable price. Residents with disabilities or income instability struggle more than most to find housing that can accommodate their needs and CSPDC recognized this when they chose projects that would receive PDC funds.
Virginia Housing announced its PDC Housing Development Program in 2021, allocating $40 million dollars across the 21-member network to support regional approaches to housing projects and program development. The goal is to make it easier for regional and local organizations to collaborate on boosting the affordable housing supply across Virginia, and to strengthen PDCs’ overall capacity for addressing state housing priorities. “The PDC grants have helped develop a good mix of rental and homeownership opportunities at affordable prices. All developments have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility options, which is one of the things this grant encouraged the developers provide,” said Olivia Wright, former Program Manager at the CSPDC.
Foley Road Efficiencies
This three-story apartment building comprises 11 accessible units in Harrisonburg, all renting at 60% AMI (Area Median Income) or below. All units on the first and second floors provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) components such as wide doorways, open floorplans, lever doorhandles, cabinet pull modifications and rocker light switches. On the ground level, two units are universal design units, meaning no matter the age or disability, these units will work for the residents by providing all of the ADA design standards, plus no-step ground-level entry. PDC grants sped up commencement of this project by one year and are now fully occupied.
Pump Street Apartments
Valley Supportive Housing (VSH) turned a former commercial building into a mixed-use development with 12 apartments. Prior to becoming apartments, it was a successful window business. When the owner moved locations, they donated this building to VSH. There are six units on the top story and six units as well as commercial space (that is used as offices by VSH) on the ground floor. Today, all units are leased far below AMI by those who suffer from diagnosed mental health illnesses and who otherwise would face severe challenges to secure long-term, stable housing.
“We love seeing different localities put our PDC grants to good use and provide housing to people who need it most,” said Chris Thompson, Director of Strategic Housing at Virginia Housing. “These grants have done so much for so many and there are projects still to come. We look forward to seeing each and every one.”
Suter Street Neighborhood
This project centers on Central Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing mission to address the need for affordable housing in the Harrisonburg area. Upon completion this development will provide 21 homes. The target group for these units will be the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.
Block House Apartments
Our Community Place received $118,106 in grant funds and used those funds along with local low-interest loans, donations and in-kind and volunteer support to complete the project. The development provides two units of permanent supportive housing for Harrisonburg residents that have faced chronic housing insecurity. Each efficiency unit is complete with a mini-split air conditioner and new appliances.