In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the successful redevelopment of the Southwood Mobile Home Park, highlighting a visit to a similar project in Charlottesville, Virginia. The visit, which took place on August 14, included representatives from Habitat Wake, the town of Apex, and the Wake County Housing Department, among others.

The Southwood Mobile Home Park redevelopment serves as a model for transforming manufactured home communities. The Charlottesville project began in the early 2000s when Habitat for Humanity acquired a small mobile home park with a commitment to no evictions and a focus on community engagement. They raised a $1 million down payment, with significant contributions from private donors, and financed the redevelopment by selling some lots to market-rate builders, creating a mixed-income community.

Key to the success of the project was the involvement of residents in the planning process. Over three years, residents collaborated with architects and community organizers to design their new neighborhood, addressing their needs and preferences. The redevelopment included extensive infrastructure repairs and community events, such as a back-to-school night that attracted over 1,000 attendees.

The project expanded significantly when Habitat for Humanity acquired a larger mobile home community, which housed around 1,500 residents. This transition required a shift in focus from building new homes to revitalizing existing communities, leading to the construction of various housing styles to meet diverse income levels.

The redevelopment has not only improved living conditions but also fostered a sense of community, with amenities like playgrounds and soccer fields integrated into the design. The success of the Southwood project has inspired other mobile home parks to seek similar redevelopment efforts, demonstrating the potential for positive change through resident engagement and innovative financing strategies.