Nonprofits Partner to Revitalize Historic Washington Terrace for Permanently Affordable Housing

Raleigh, NC (March 2025) – Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT,) a nonprofit dedicated to creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, has partnered with DHIC, Inc., a trusted nonprofit specializing in quality affordable housing development in the Triangle, to ensure the long-term affordability of homes in Washington Terrace. Using the Community Land Trust (CLT) model, this collaboration will preserve homeownership opportunities in a historic neighborhood that has long been a cornerstone of Raleigh’s African American community.

Originally built in 1950, Washington Terrace was the first rental community in Raleigh designed specifically for middle-class African American families and professionals. It became home to prominent civic leaders and remains a cornerstone of cultural pride in the community. The development of these homes honors this legacy while advancing RALT and DHIC’s shared mission of creating sustainable, inclusive communities.

“This partnership with DHIC allows us to provide long-term affordability while respecting the deep-rooted history of Washington Terrace,” said Kevin Campbell, Executive Director of RALT. “By utilizing the Community Land Trust model, we’re helping ensure that families can continue to thrive in this community for generations to come.”

The CLT model works by separating land ownership from homeownership, allowing families to purchase homes at below-market prices while ensuring affordability in perpetuity. This shared equity approach supports stability for homeowners while maintaining affordability for future buyers.

“When we set out to redevelop and preserve Washington Terrace, our goal was to respond to the vision and aspirations of the existing residents of this historic neighborhood,” said Yolanda Winstead, DHIC President. “The resulting place-based strategy provides a diverse range of high-quality, affordable housing types for individuals, families, and seniors who want to remain in this historic community. Through our partnership with RALT, we preserve that legacy while ensuring this highly sought-after neighborhood remains accessible to low-income homebuyers for generations.”

This redevelopment is part of RALT’s larger vision to provide 100 permanently affordable homes over the next five years, tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing Wake County residents today.

For more information about how you can support Raleigh Area Land Trust and its affordable housing initiatives, visit https://www.ralt.org/.

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About Raleigh Area Land Trust

Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing options for residents of Wake County. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, RALT works to create sustainable housing solutions that promote equity and opportunity for all individuals and families. The non-profit has committed to constructing 100 homes over the next five years, addressing the pressing need for accessible housing solutions in our community.

About DHIC, Inc.

Established in 1974, DHIC is the Research Triangle’s market leader in affordable housing development. Since its founding over 50 years ago, DHIC has developed over 3,000 affordable apartments in 49 communities across 9 counties, providing homes for more than 4,000 individuals, children, and seniors. DHIC’s Homeownership Center has helped more than 2,000 families purchase their first homes. DHIC has received numerous awards in recognition of its excellence in design, community service, and management. DHIC is one of four NeighborWorks America organizations in North Carolina; a HUD-approved counseling agency; a member of the Housing Partnership Network; and a CORES Certified organization. For more information about DHIC and how you can support its work, visit dhic.org.

Media Note

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