Since 2004, CAHEC has offered the Open Doors Homeownership Grant to assist nonprofit organizations who develop for-sale affordable housing within our footprint. To date, CAHEC has awarded $860,000 towards this homeownership initiative to help provide housing to families earning 80 percent or less of the area median income.

As our team of grant readers reviewed the applications this year, we evaluated how each organization addressed a strong community need, the positive impact their development would have on the community, and their strategy for alleviating the shortage of affordable housing. We also considered the social services provided to homeowners and the organization's proposed use of CAHEC's funding.

We are excited to announce the recipients of CAHEC's 2024 Open Doors Homeownership Grant:

$25,000 - Habitat for Humanity Durham - NC

$25,000 - Housing Assistance Corporation - NC

Both of these organizations are making important strides in providing their communities with much-needed affordable housing. To read more about each organization and learn how their efforts will change the lives of residents in their communities, please visit our website.

Over the last few years, the construction industry has struggled with the ongoing impact of rising costs, supply chain issues, and skilled labor in the workforce. In this article, CAHEC’s Construction Manager, Steven Yeary, shares his insight on a few of the current challenges the construction industry is facing.

“High construction costs, supply chain issues, and material availability have been a big concern, especially since COVID,” Yeary explained. “One factor is the rising cost of fuel, as materials cannot be delivered without it. As the cost of fuel increases, so do the delivery fees. In addition, some items are not readily accessible and take months to be distributed, and receiving items from other countries proves to be an obstacle with various trade imbalances.” He also noted that items supplied by other countries have become scarce and more expensive.

As labor costs and hourly wages continue to rise, the pool of skilled workers also diminishes – but why? Yeary shared that one reason is “because the experts are starting to retire, and there are very few young professionals that show interest in pursuing a trade as a career choice.” As industry leaders, we must find a way to inspire the next generation. The construction industry is thriving and it’s an exciting and rewarding career. “We need young leaders to take interest and learn from the experts while their knowledge is still available,” Yeary added. 

Congratulations to the following properties on achieving 100% occupancy:

Berry Park - Chadbourn, NC

The Mark at Woodford - Aiken, SC