New Affordable Housing Community for Seniors Opens in Houston’s Third Ward


“The opening of The Citadel creates a beautiful and affordable place for seniors on very limited incomes so they can live in dignity and remain close to friends and family living nearby,” said Eric Price, President of The NHP Foundation.

The NHP Foundation (NHPF), a national not-for-profit provider of affordable housing, announced today that its newly constructed 74-unit affordable housing development, The Citadel at Elgin, is officially open in Houston’s historic Third Ward to support lower income seniors. The independent living community is managed by Change Happens CDC, a Houston non-profit community development corporation.

“Third Ward is one of Houston’s oldest and most distinct neighborhoods,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “The city welcomes this beautiful property to the community, and we are proud to be a partner. It furthers the goal of adding 7,000 new affordable apartment homes in Houston by the end of 2023.”

Link to property photos and video

Change Happens CDC purchases and renovates drug-infested dilapidated homes and purchases vacant lots to develop affordable single-family and multifamily housing. The organization has purchased and renovated over 50 homes and lots in the Third Ward.

“This is the culmination of a decades-long effort to end blight and improve the neighborhood,” said the Rev. Leslie Smith II, CEO and founder of Change Happens CDC. “I had a dream in 1983 that led me to create Change Happens to transform an at-risk community by rehabilitating crack houses and providing affordable living options in Third Ward. Standing here today, I am in awe of what we have accomplished thus far.”

Located at Elgin and Tierwester streets, the gated community is built for people who are 55 and older and includes 11 studio apartments and 63 one-bedroom apartments. Each unit comes with energy efficient stainless-steel appliances, washers and dryers, balconies, granite countertops, and luxury vinyl plank flooring.

“I went to Jack Yates High School right down the street so I know what this area used to look like,” said District D Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. “And this is a transformation. And I am so very thankful…to open the doors to another important affordable housing community in Houston.”

More than 20 apartment homes have been pre-leased. Change Happens CDC will provide residents with Permanent Supportive Housing needs and lighter touch service needs.

The property is in walking distance to a light rail stop and three bus lines; and its proximity to the Medical Center, area parks and other health facilities make this an ideal location to live. Property amenities and features include a courtyard on the second-floor deck with shade trees, outdoor TV, grilling area and lounge chairs; covered garage parking; a Great Room with a kitchen, and a multipurpose room.

The development is funded in part by $10.25 million in federal Disaster Relief funds administered by the City of Houston’s Department of Housing and Community Development for NHPF’s ground-up construction. Additional funds for the project were secured through 4% and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bonds.

“The opening of The Citadel creates a beautiful and affordable place for seniors on very limited incomes so they can live in dignity and remain close to friends and family living nearby,” said Eric Price, President of the NHP Foundation. “This is our newest affordable housing property in Houston and is part of NHPF’s Affiliate Program which partners with local organizations including faith-based entities to bring development, finance, asset management, resident services, fund raising and other managerial assistance to them.”

The Citadel at Elgin is one of five NHPF affordable apartment communities in Houston. Others include Cleme Manor in the Fifth Ward and Pepper Tree Manor in Spring Branch. Properties under construction include RoseMary’s Place Apartments and Temenos Place Apartments in Midtown.

Link to property photos and video

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About The NHP Foundation

Headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL, The NHP Foundation (NHPF) was launched on January 30, 1989, as a publicly supported 501(c)(3) not-for-profit real estate corporation. NHPF is dedicated to preserving and creating sustainable, service-enriched multifamily housing, and single-family homes that are both affordable to low and moderate income families and seniors, and beneficial to their communities. NHPF’s Construction Management Group provides in-house resources dedicated to infrastructure review, infrastructure development and cost management. Through Family-Centered Coaching, NHPF’s subsidiary Operation Pathways engages with, and assists, families experiencing poverty and other hardship, to problem-solve together. Through partnerships with major financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based initiatives, and other not-for-profit organizations, NHPF has over 10,000 units, in 16 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit http://www.nhpfoundation.org.

About Change Happens Community Development Corp. (CDC)

Change Happens CDC’s mission is to transform neighborhoods through renovations and constructing high-quality affordable dwellings for low-to-moderate income residents. The organization is committed to making dreams of long-term economic stability come true. Whether one dreams of owning a home, sustaining affordable home ownership, starting or expanding a business, or acquiring financial management skills, we can help. To learn more visit http://www.changehappenscdc.org.

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