Funds will help disabled adults
THDA awards Dawn of Hope grant to build new housing
Oct. 4, 2020 – A grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) will allow Dawn of Hope to build new housing for adults with disabilities.
The $400,997 Tennessee Housing Trust Fund grant was one of six totaling just over $2.4 million that were awarded during the Spring 2020 round of THDA’s competitive grant program.
The funding will be used to construct two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant homes for intellectually or developmentally disabled adults. The homes are part of the third phase of Dawn of Hope’s Houses for Hope program.
Dawn of Hope will combine the grant with an additional $445,000 in matching funds to complete construction on the properties.
THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey said the grant funding will allow Dawn of Hope to stable housing and much-needed assistance to adults with intellectual disabilities.
“We are pleased to continue supporting projects like this that make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Perrey said. “Dawn of Hope, through its Houses for Hope program, has shown that providing safe, affordable housing can make a positive impact on the lives of those living with disabilities.”
Dawn of Hope Executive Director Steve Cox said the funding provided by THDA played a crucial role in the viability of the project.
“Without the financial support from THDA this project would not have been possible,” Cox said. “These houses will allow us to expand the support we provide to vulnerable populations and help provide them with an increased quality of life.”
Dawn of Hope will own the properties and provide residents with supportive services, including transportation, to employment and community activities. Each home will contain 1,600 sq.-ft. of living space and will consist of three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The Tennessee Housing Trust Fund (THTF) was created by the THDA board of directors to provide financial support for innovative, affordable initiatives that serve the housing needs of Tennessee’s most vulnerable residents.
Funding for the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund comes entirely from earnings generated through THDA’s Single Family Mortgage program. THTF grants are awarded through a competitive application process. Since 2006 THDA has provided over $73.2 million in THTF grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations across the state.
