Empowering Lives: BHA's $3.9 Million Grant Transforms Affordable Housing Initiative

Layout of BHA Existing Units

Layout of BHA Existing Units

“This place changed my life, and my life changed this place,” said Brenda Glass.

Brenda Glass, a resilient soul who found herself at Burlington Homes after enduring the hardships of homelessness, stands as a testament to the transformative power of the community-driven initiatives led by the Burlington Housing Authority (BHA).

After years of caring for her parents, who tragically succumbed to kidney failure, Glass inherited their house at the age of 54. Despite the financial burden of maintaining the property, she endeavored to uphold its upkeep. Seeking assistance, she turned to her daughter, who ultimately purchased the house, ensuring Glass's mother could receive full-time care.

Having been a resident for 17 years, Glass's journey embodies the ethos of perseverance and hope that permeates through the walls of Burlington Homes.

“I feel like what I went through, it was meant to be. God meant for me to go through what I went through, for me to wind up here,” Glass reflects, her words echoing the sense of purpose that now fills her days within the supportive embrace of BHA.

Brenda Glass wins a volunteering award from Burlington Homes

Brenda's room she has customized in Burlington Homes.

1.

Burlington Housing Authority Mission

Burlington Housing Authority Office

BHA stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the heart of Burlington, a city nestled in the rolling landscapes of Alamance County. Since its inception in the 1980s, BHA has been dedicated to its mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled. With 508 units spread across the city, including specialized accommodations for the elderly and scattered sites for families, BHA has become an integral part of the community fabric.

BHA operates with a holistic approach, offering not just housing but a range of services and programs aimed at empowering its residents. Through partnerships with local organizations, initiatives like RAD, and successful grant acquisition such as the SHARP funding, BHA continues to redefine what it means to provide affordable housing, transforming lives and communities along the way.

BHA Resources

BHA Apartments

Existing BHA Units

As the BHA embarks on a groundbreaking endeavor with the allocation of a remarkable $3.9 million federal grant, Glass’s presence serves as a poignant reminder of the human element at the heart of their mission. Nikki Ratliff, the Chief Operating Officer of BHA, may stand at the forefront of this transformative endeavor, but its voices like Brenda Glass's that underscore the profound impact of such initiatives on individual lives.

"This funding is a game-changer," she asserts. "It will enable us to construct 14 new affordable housing units, expanding our capacity to serve those in need," Ratliff says.

However, the significance of this grant extends beyond mere bricks and mortar. For Ratliff and the BHA team, it represents a profound commitment to their core mission—to not only provide housing but to empower individuals and families to thrive.

“We do much more than housing here,” Ratliff affirms. “We want to see our tenants reach the goals in their lives.”

Recent initiatives, like the transition to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) platform, exemplify BHA's commitment to sustainability.

Ratliff explains that they have undertaken a significant initiative to renovate their multi-family housing units, aiming to extend their lifespan by another 30 years. These units have not received substantial maintenance over the past three decades, necessitating the transition to RAD. Through this transition, BHA can modernize and update their units, ensuring their longevity and continued suitability for residents.

Card room where the seniors in Burlington Homes play games

Community room where seniors in Burlington Homes gather to eat and talk.

The Land of Hope

For Glass, Burlington Homes isn't just a place to reside; it’s a lifeline, a sanctuary where individuals come together to support and uplift one another. Brenda says that everyone in the community is always looking out for each other.

“We are here to live. We need to be together and have meetings, get some activities going. If we are going to be here, we need to make the most of it. I come into the community room every day with a smile. I am here to live, and I want everyone to feel that energy,” Glass affirms.

Indeed, BHA's approach transcends traditional notions of housing assistance. Through innovative programs like the "Goals" initiative and on-site social work services, they provide residents with the tools and resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency and upward mobility.

Glass says that everyone in Burlington Homes has gone through a lot, but “we get through it together.” She is grateful for an affordable place to live and to have resources where they could be fed and clothed.

“I would say to anybody who would like to come here, don’t worry about where you’ve been. Think about where you are now, concentrate on moving forward, and forget about what happened,” Brenda says.

BHA Unit Locations

As tenants walk into BHA, their reactions vary, often reflecting the challenges they may be facing. Some may appear sad, having experienced the distress of losing housing or struggling to make ends meet. Ashley Terrell, the Administrative Assistant, extends compassion and support, offering a listening ear and guidance to navigate their circumstances. With empathy and understanding, they point tenants in the right direction, helping them explore alternative low-income housing options and connecting them with resources to ease their burdens.

BHA offers a variety of classes from cooking to computer skills, ensuring residents' holistic well-being. They even provide lessons on essential life skills like dental hygiene.

Their mission doesn't end with housing; it extends far beyond, encompassing a myriad of programs aimed at uplifting and empowering their residents. But how do people find their way to BHA? "They find us," Ratliff states simply. "Our reputation precedes us, drawing people from near and far seeking sanctuary within our walls."

Ratliff is keen to stress that their mission goes beyond simply providing housing; it's about equipping residents with the tools and support they need to flourish and, when the time is right, transition to independent living. She assures that while residents are welcome to stay for as long as they choose, the ultimate goal is to empower them to move forward with confidence and independence. Through the provision of assistance and resources, BHA endeavors to support residents on their journey towards self-sufficiency and a brighter future.

“I feel blessed everyday to be a part of BHA” Brenda remarked.

Written by Olivia Fiore