There's No Place Like Home: Celebrating the Grand Opening of Weavers Grove!
On October 13, nearly 80 residents, families, neighbors, community partners, and elected officials gathered in Chapel Hill to celebrate the grand opening of HOPE NC's first four homes at Weavers Grove! These homes will provide affordable, independent living opportunities for eight adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), seven of whom will be living independently for the first time.
It was an incredibly special day for our organization, made even more meaningful by the overwhelming support of our community. Seeing so many familiar faces, along with new neighbors and friends, reminded us just how many people have helped make this possible.
Among the speakers was Josh, one of our new Weavers Grove residents, who shared what this opportunity means to him.
"Securing independent, adult housing here is a milestone for my success and my life, and it has become a reality," Josh shared. "Stable housing empowers individuals with varied abilities like myself to thrive."
One of our favorite moments from Tuesday's grand opening at Weavers Grove was watching Bishop, one of our first residents, proudly show visitors around his new home. After previously living with family, Bishop recently moved into his own place for the first time. Seeing him welcome people into his home was a special reminder of what this project has been working toward for so many years.
Years in the Making
For HOPE NC, this celebration represents years of planning, partnership, and determination to expand housing options for adults with I/DD.
Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County was first announced in 2024, beginning an exciting new chapter for HOPE NC. Since then, we've worked alongside community partners to secure funding, establish affordable rental assistance, and prepare our future residents for their moves.
Nearly 50 individuals applied to live in our first four homes, reflecting just how significant the need for affordable, inclusive housing remains. Over the past several months, our team has worked closely with selected residents and their families to navigate the housing application and leasing processes, connect future roommates, and prepare for this next chapter.
Through a partnership with Orange County, residents receive rental assistance that keeps their housing costs at no more than 30% of their income. HOPE NC's on-site Community Facilitator also helps residents navigate daily life, connect with neighbors, and take advantage of opportunities throughout Chapel Hill.
This work would not have been possible without Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and the generous support of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, the Town of Chapel Hill, Orange County, Alliance Health, and private donors who have helped bring this vision to life.
A Growing Community
What makes Weavers Grove particularly exciting is the opportunity for residents to live in an inclusive, mixed-income neighborhood alongside people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
With walking trails, gathering spaces, access to public transportation, and a future community center, there are so many opportunities for residents to become involved in their neighborhood and the greater Chapel Hill community.
We are already beginning to see those connections take shape as residents settle in, get to know their neighbors, and establish routines of their own.
And this is just the beginning! These four homes represent the first of three planned phases of HOPE NC housing at Weavers Grove. Once completed, approximately 20 adults with I/DD are expected to call the neighborhood home.
As our Executive Director, Laura Wells, shared during the celebration:
"Let's not let these four homes be the exception. Let's make them an example."
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us on Tuesday and to the many partners, donors, families, and advocates who have supported this project along the way. We couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate how far we've come, and we are so excited for everything still ahead at Weavers Grove!