Count on the church to put in the work!
An AME Zion Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is opening more doors than the sanctuary by building affordable housing adjacent to their Uptown campus.
Source: Photo courtesy: Little Rock AME Zion Church
The Black-founded development company is responsible for some of the budding projects developed for working families and seniors with a range of incomes seeking affordable housing. Mecklenburg County is falling behind in closing the housing gap while battling growing forms of gentrification in Charlotte’s neighborhoods, previously known as a staple for the working class and historically Black communities.
“The Little Rock Community Development Corporation and Little Rock AME Zion Church are committed to giving our brothers and sisters a hand up rather than a handout. We plan to offer wrap-around services to our residents who may need certain assistance.”
Walker described the partnership with Laurel as a “perfect” match,” touching on their “expertise and passion” to address the need. Laurel Nelson said being open to collaboration is the reason projects such as Varick exist.
“But the” reality is, when we come together as one, and we work together, and we’re creative, and we’re trying to deliver solutions, we get creative and figure it out,” Nelson said. “As a result, it’s what you see here today.”
Source: Photo courtesy: Little Rock AME Zion Church
Source: Black Enterprise
