Forever Home, Durham

Changing lives by expanding and improving affordable housing.

Renters, homeowners, and first-time buyers are finding affordable solutions and new opportunities thanks to Forever Home, Durham. Find their stories here.
Affordable housing for a better Durham.

Forever Home, Durham is an ongoing program creating affordable opportunities for renters and homeowners. Through new construction, property repairs, and essential housing services, we are building a more inclusive and livable community.
New developments, renovation projects, and services.

Learn about housing and support available to low-to-moderate income renters and homeowners.

Overview

Forever Home, Durham is expanding affordable housing throughout the city. Public and private funds are being used to build homes, renovate properties and provide helpful services for renters and homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes. The City’s investments in affordable housing create jobs and economic benefits for all. This website shows the work of the many partners involved and tracks specific goals for housing and economic development. There is so much to do, and we have only just begun. We’re making life in Durham better — for all of us.

Learn more

2,400
Build 1,600 new affordable rental homes and preserve 800 affordable rental homes.

1,700
Move 1,700 homeless individuals and families into permanent housing.

400
Provide 400 affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income homebuyers.

3,000
Help 3,000 low-income renters and homeowners remain in or improve their homes.

$130 million
Create at least $130M in contracting opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).

NOVEMBER 2022

E Main + Liberty Street Demolition Begins

DHA and the City of Durham began the revitalization process for the former 519 East Main + Liberty Street Apartments in downtown Durham. The planned Elizabeth Street Apartments' new construction is scheduled to break ground on the site in early 2023 and will replace the buildings currently being torn down. This first phase will offer 72 family units.

OCTOBER 2022

JJ Henderson Senior Apartments Grand Re-Opening

The renovation of JJ Henderson, which offers 177 affordable rental homes for seniors or disabled community members, includes HVAC upgrades, energy-efficient appliances, improvements to interior air quality, a new roof, interior unit renovations, and building system upgrades.

SEPTEBER 2022

Willard Street Receives Top Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing

Willard Street received the Housing North Carolina Award for rental housing, awarded annually to projects that demonstrate excellence in design, sustainability, contribution to the local community and public and community support.

SEPTEMBER 2022

HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant

Durham was selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive $40 million in Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant funding. These funds will be used to support the redevelopment of DHA’s 519 E. Main Street + Liberty Street Apartments and to make investments in the surrounding neighborhood.

JULY 2022

The Joyce Topping Off Ceremony

Supported by city of Durham funding, the $18.8 million development is expected to open in spring of 2023 and will include 80 apartment units, common areas, and green spaces. The Joyce is directly adjacent to the newly renovated JJ Henderson senior development.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Willard Street Ribbon Cutting

New residents, housing advocates, project partners, and city leaders celebrated the grand opening of Willard Street Apartments. Watch a video about the impact of the Willard Street Apartments.

AUGUST 2021

Groundbreaking At JJ Henderson

Durham community partners Durham Housing Authority and Laurel Street residential development came together to mark the official groundbreaking of JJ Henderson Senior Campus new construction. The new construction four-story building will consist of 80 dwelling units designated for seniors 62 years or older at a mix of incomes, including 30%, 60%, 70% and 80% AMI.

AUGUST 2021

United Minority Contractors Of North Carolina Selected To Support Women And Minority Business Enterprises

City Council approved a 42-month $533,980 contract with UMCNC to provide outreach and support during prequalification, bid and contract processes and ensure Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) are positioned to earn contracts on affordable housing projects funded by the City.

MAY 2021

JJ Henderson Renovation Begins

Renovations began at DHA’s JJ Henderson property. At this site, 178 units will be completely rehabilitated and 80 new apartments will be constructed for low-income elderly households.

APRIL 2021

Affordable Housing Implementation Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting

Inaugural meeting of the Affordable Housing Implementation Committee was held to advise the City’s Community Development Department on implementation of the Forever Home, Durham affordable housing investment program.

MARCH 2021

Laurel Oaks Renovation Completed

Laurel Oaks consists of 30 townhouse units. Located in the southwest section of Durham, Laurel Oaks is the first public housing community built since 1981.

MARCH 2021

Willard Street Apartments Open

The 82-unit Willard Street Apartments, built on a former City-owned site, welcomed its first residents. View a photo tour of the property.

FEBRUARY 2021

The Community Development Department Releases An RFP For A Downpayment Assistance Program Administrator

The Community Development Department released a request for proposals to select an administrator for a new City-funded down payment assistance program. The program will support homebuyers with incomes below the 80% area medium income (AMI) by providing second mortgages of up to $20,000.

NOVEMBER 2019

Affordable Housing Bond Passes

The City of Durham voters voted overwhelmingly in support of the $95 million affordable housing bond, which paired with $65 million in local and federal funding creates the Forever Home, Durham program.

JULY 2019

Willard Street Groundbreaking

This new community is set to include 82 units of affordable housing serving individuals and families with low or modest incomes, bringing affordability to Durham.

MARCH 2019

Laurel Oaks Renovation Begins

Located in the southwest section of Durham, Laurel Oaks offers 30 townhome rental units. A $1.799 million investment, the rehabilitation of Durham Housing Authority (DHA) property was supported by $800,000 in city funds.

Forever Home, Durham

Changing lives by expanding and improving affordable housing.

Affordable housing for a better Durham.

New developments, renovation projects, and services.

Overview

Learn more

Goals for Meaningful Change

(2019-2025)

2,400

Build 1,600 new affordable rental homes and preserve 800 affordable rental homes.

1,700

Move 1,700 homeless individuals and families into permanent housing.

400

Provide 400 affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income homebuyers.

3,000

Help 3,000 low-income renters and homeowners remain in or improve their homes.

$130 million

Create at least $130M in contracting opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).

Progress – Where We Stand

"Our goal is to make Durham affordable, livable, and inclusive for everyone."

- Reginald J. Johnson, Director, Community Development Department, City of Durham

Progress Timeline